Crown & Anchor Program Revisions - join the merged discussions here

[Perkyboy34]

Having spoken to our personal cruise specialist who works for RCCL, to discuss cancelling the 3 cruises we have booked and 1 with Celebrity, she has advised me to hold fire, as they are alarmed at the negative press they are getting and she believes that the decision is due to be revoked in the next month or so,

[Ladylouwho]

I wonder if the Suite guests and D+ that complain about the "whiners" would remain silent if RCCL simply eliminated free drinks from the CL?

 

trafficlaw,

You are definitely on to something here. I think the eventual intent is to do away with the lounges on all the smaller ships, which I guess now include the Voyager Class. They can always offer the suite guests a mini bar set up in their suites.

 

RCI seems to come out with a new cutback or take-a-way or new nickle and dime "choice", just about every couple of months now. Each time insulting and alienating another group. Often long term, loyal RCI cruisers fall into many of the subgroups and are affected more and more as the months go by. The Diamond Plus and many Suite guests have been affected as well by many of these changes. The non-combineability of Stockholder OBC, Discount coupons, C&A balcony discount, Next Cruise and others affected a very large group of long term customers. The loss of CL privileges on Voyager Class and smaller for Diamonds is just the first step to the loss of the CL on these ships altogether.

 

JMO,

Colleen

[Ladylouwho]

Having spoken to our personal cruise specialist who works for RCCL, to discuss cancelling the 3 cruises we have booked and 1 with Celebrity, she has advised me to hold fire, as they are alarmed at the negative press they are getting and she believes that the decision is due to be revoked in the next month or so,

 

THANK YOU for that. My personal cruise specialist and a woman in the C & A department said to KEEP posting on CC, e-mailing, writing and calling RCI in the hopes that the decision would be rescinded. I stated that a week ago and yet have had to withstand the constant belittlement and name calling from those that seem to relish swooping in on this thread, get their little zingers in and fly away, only to come back and complain and whine about why we are still posting.

 

Keep it up folks, there is hope that RCI will come to their senses about this, if not only to do the right thing, then at least for their bottom line. They HAVE been getting MANY cancellations and many comments to the company from long term loyal customers about how this will affect their future bookings.

 

Colleen

[lady of the seas]

Whether the change in C&A benefits affect you directly or not -- when a company, a cruise line, a restaurant, etc. start raising costs, implementing new fees and reducing benefits to customers - how on earth can that be a GOOD thing?

 

 

When our favorite local restaurant incorporated a new manager, he cut the drink size in half. Once again a poor error in judgement especially when this establishment was known for their great libations, now when we go there we order a beer instead of our favorite cocktail...thus cutting cost of our drinks by half.

 

In addition although we used to go there weekly we have cut back to once a month and have been enjoying lots of other restaurants. So once again it proves that when companies change the way they treat their cutomers, they don't always win.

[cruzinhuskers]

Having spoken to our personal cruise specialist who works for RCCL, to discuss cancelling the 3 cruises we have booked and 1 with Celebrity, she has advised me to hold fire, as they are alarmed at the negative press they are getting and she believes that the decision is due to be revoked in the next month or so,

 

Maybe there is Hope! Thanks for sharing this.

[ECCruise]

Having spoken to our personal cruise specialist who works for RCCL, to discuss cancelling the 3 cruises we have booked and 1 with Celebrity, she has advised me to hold fire, as they are alarmed at the negative press they are getting and she believes that the decision is due to be revoked in the next month or so,

 

I don't think it's necessarily negative press, I think it is the sound of revenue circling the bowl. If you just read this thread, a couple of the others, and see the postings on the other line's boards, and take HALF of those cancellations as fact, then use the factor of the small number of cruisers who post here in relation to the cruising population, I think you are probably talking serious, serious moola.

[Bonnielass]

On our last cruise we were presented with nice gold lapel pins, congratulating us on being 'diamond' status. Today i was packing for my forth coming cruise on enchantment of the sea, how feelings change. I kept the pins with the intention of wearing them to show support for RCCL, now i have placed them back in the cupboard - what use are they? I feel that there is simply no benefit in reaching diamond status. Definately agree with everyone else, i will now also consider other cruise lines, RCCL have lost my loyalty,

[lady of the seas]

When I started working the rules were that I could retire at age 65 and collect full social security benefits. They changed the rules and the age on me mid game. Chances are that before I reach that new age they will either move the "goal post" again, there will be no funds left for me to collect, or some sort of means test will be applied. I will get less, or nothing at all, after paying into the system for years. Hmmm, seems just like RCI's C&A program. Oh, except that with RCI one has the choice to opt out.

 

So I think you just made the point for RCI's side. The rules get changed. People don't like it. It is the way it is.

 

 

 

A point for RCCI's side?????No so fast, while you may not be able to opt out of paying Social Security taxes you certainly have the option to cruise on another line.

[texlatin1]

THANK YOU for that. My personal cruise specialist and a woman in the C & A department said to KEEP posting on CC, e-mailing, writing and calling RCI in the hopes that the decision would be rescinded. I stated that a week ago and yet have had to withstand the constant belittlement and name calling from those that seem to relish swooping in on this thread, get their little zingers in and fly away, only to come back and complain and whine about why we are still posting.

 

Keep it up folks, there is hope that RCI will come to their senses about this, if not only to do the right thing, then at least for their bottom line. They HAVE been getting MANY cancellations and many comments to the company from long term loyal customers about how this will affect their future bookings.

 

Colleen

 

 

Hello Colleen,

 

Just wondering if in fact these former perks are reinstated, what will those persons who have so strongly voiced their opinions about not patronizing RCI anymore do at this time? Not for nothing but so many people have IMO gone above posting about the C&A perks being taken away and began mentioning everything else they thought was wrong with RCI i.e. food service, poor service, screaming children and intoxicated adults.

 

Will these folks all of a sudden think that RCI is once again a great cruise line because the C&A policies were rescinded? Will they or should they go back and reinstate their cancelled cruises? Of course, there are some such as yourself who posted valid reasons and have adamantly gone to battle with letter writing campaigns and such so then these questions aren't actually geared to you personally. Just generally interested in how hypocritical it would be if this were to happen. And please understand that I don't expect you personally to answer for a number amount of people, but the thought occured after reading your previous post. Hoping it all works out for everyone, past, current and future cruiesrs!!!

 

Peace!:cool:

[Catnip]

Possibly take the towel folding class and make them for your children yourself?

 

 

That's exactly what I was thinking!!!!!!! :eek:

[AnotherCruisingKid]

Wow...lack of towel animals, so let's cut his/her tip???? This is why it is so important for RCL Management to go to automatic tips, and go ASAP!

Actually, you're wrong. Automatic tips encourage bad service.

 

Do i think tips should be cut without informing management? no.

 

But part of the expected service, and the poster stated they tell the cabin attendant how important the towel animals are, I agree holding back is ok. You made reasonable requests of the cabin steward and they were not delivered upon.

 

I'm an overtipper myself. but the point the poster was making is not a time for the RCL Rah Rah Squad to show up and cry about low pay.

[MrPete]

That's exactly what I was thinking!!!!!!! :eek:

 

I wonder what the kiddies would have thought when they made the animals out of your nighties and other unmentionables. :eek:

[CruiseKeeper]

Hello Colleen,

 

Just wondering if in fact these former perks are reinstated, what will those persons who have so strongly voiced their opinions about not patronizing RCI anymore do at this time? Not for nothing but so many people have IMO gone above posting about the C&A perks being taken away and began mentioning everything else they thought was wrong with RCI i.e. food service, poor service, screaming children and intoxicated adults.

 

Will these folks all of a sudden think that RCI is once again a great cruise line because the C&A policies were rescinded? Will they or should they go back and reinstate their cancelled cruises? Of course, there are some such as yourself who posted valid reasons and have adamantly gone to battle with letter writing campaigns and such so then these questions aren't actually geared to you personally. Just generally interested in how hypocritical it would be if this were to happen. And please understand that I don't expect you personally to answer for a number amount of people, but the thought occured after reading your previous post. Hoping it all works out for everyone, past, current and future cruiesrs!!!

 

Peace!:cool:

 

Sure, if the CL change affecting diamonds was rescinded, I’d rebook. It’s easy to say though since I really don’t believe they will be rescinded. Besides, even though I cancelled one and kept another I haven’t been on another cruise line in 18 years so who knows. It would depend on when they rescind too…..but I think monkeys will fly out my butt first. Ouch. :eek:

 

 

I also have never said that I will never cruise RCI again, just that they would not be the default destination for my vacation dollar anymore. I think there are many of us who feel and post this way.

[cruzinhuskers]

If they do reinstate some of the perks, I will have faith restored that they are listening to their Loyals!

[xpcdoojk]

I wonder what the kiddies would have thought when they made the animals out of your nighties and other unmentionables. :eek:

 

Either X or RCI or CCL used to do exactly that. My wife likes long legged long sleeved silk PJs. I remember on one of our cruises, that her PJs that were left out on the bed were formed into some shapes on one of our cruises long long ago. We laughed and took some pictures. It may have been RCI because it may have been a C&A logo. How appropriate!:D

 

jc

[kauppias]

Possibly take the towel folding class and make them for your children yourself?

 

I, personally, would rather have a clean bathroom that a towel animal, but perhaps al a carte room service is coming: cabin steward has 30 minutes, what would you prefer done in your cabin??

 

I would love to take a towel folding class, not sure but I do NOT RECALL seeing those offered on european cruises, I remember back when I sailed caribean iteniaries that they offered all kinds of cooking classes dance classes towel folding etc but here I seldom see them...

 

but like I said the towel animals ARE IMPORTANT TO MY SMALL CHILDREN and as far as service goes I DO NOT SEE IT AS ASKING TOO MUCH to have them in our state room, and out of the last 3 cruises I took on the jewel OTS in 2008 ONLY ONE CABIN STEWARD SEEMED TO THINK IT WAS!

 

I do not understand why just because ONE person finds them important that others would think they are not, it is a PERSONAL OPINION, and I am sure that kids cruising look for slightly different things then adults.

 

as a family guy I look for a cruising experience that makes the whole family happy :)

 

just to tell you one example, on our final cruise last year it was just my 4 year old and myself, I mentioned the towel animal preference to our steward, and to our suprise we had 2-3 animals each night in various places in our cabin, at times we had one also waiting in "hiding" in a closet or such, my daughter loved it and still speaks of the monkey in the closet, I was so pleased I told the GSM, concierge as well as the hotel director about this exceptional service as well as leaving a nice tip in addittion to the suggested :)

 

 

SERVICE is one of the reasons we have loved RCL, we did cruise on Norwegein but did not like it at all, mostly due to service issues, and NCL had prepaid tips all the way back then...

 

anywhoo off my box I go :)

[texlatin1]

Sure, if the CL change affecting diamonds was rescinded, I’d rebook. It’s easy to say though since I really don’t believe they will be rescinded. Besides, even though I cancelled one and kept another I haven’t been on another cruise line in 18 years so who knows. It would depend on when they rescind too…..but I think monkeys will fly out my butt first. Ouch. :eek:

 

 

I also have never said that I will never cruise RCI again, just that they would not be the default destination for my vacation dollar anymore. I think there are many of us who feel and post this way.

 

Hi Cruisekeeper,

Yeah, I think that is where I was going with my question earlier to Ms. Colleen. Upon reading some of your previous posts, I agree that you never said you would never sail with this line again but did post some valid grievences. This is where I wanted to differentiate the two types of posters who are not happy with the new policies. Those who speak only of the new changes and those who now believe they have been deceived by everything else they see wrong with the cruise line.

Thanks!:cool:

[Catnip]

I wonder what the kiddies would have thought when they made the animals out of your nighties and other unmentionables. :eek:

 

I remember, many years ago, when a RCCL steward made a sombrero out of my nightgown the day we were in Cozumel! :eek: It was so funny!

[cruzendude]

Either X or RCI or CCL used to do exactly that. My wife likes long legged long sleeved silk PJs. I remember on one of our cruises, that her PJs that were left out on the bed were formed into some shapes on one of our cruises long long ago. We laughed and took some pictures. It may have been RCI because it may have been a C&A logo. How appropriate!:D

 

jc

 

LMAO!!! On Princess the steward made some kind of flower thingie out of my wifes nightshirt....we thought is was kind of bizarre but had a good laugh! :eek:

[CruiseKeeper]

I remember, many years ago, when a RCCL steward made a sombrero out of my nightgown the day we were in Cozumel! :eek: It was so funny!

 

After the first, I used to hide my nightgowns. :o

[texlatin1]

after the first, i used to hide my nightgowns. :o

 

lol!!!!!:d

[xpcdoojk]

I remember being more distressed on a CCL cruise, when I came into the room and there was a towel monkey hanging from the ceiling on a coat hook wearing my $300 Revo sunglasses. That is so not funny! :D

 

jc

[SherriZ366]

Hello Colleen,

 

Just wondering if in fact these former perks are reinstated, what will those persons who have so strongly voiced their opinions about not patronizing RCI anymore do at this time? Not for nothing but so many people have IMO gone above posting about the C&A perks being taken away and began mentioning everything else they thought was wrong with RCI i.e. food service, poor service, screaming children and intoxicated adults.

 

Will these folks all of a sudden think that RCI is once again a great cruise line because the C&A policies were rescinded? Will they or should they go back and reinstate their cancelled cruises? Of course, there are some such as yourself who posted valid reasons and have adamantly gone to battle with letter writing campaigns and such so then these questions aren't actually geared to you personally. Just generally interested in how hypocritical it would be if this were to happen. And please understand that I don't expect you personally to answer for a number amount of people, but the thought occured after reading your previous post. Hoping it all works out for everyone, past, current and future cruiesrs!!!

 

Peace!:cool:

A simple thanks if the CL privileges are reinstated (possibly directed to those who were contacted during letter writing campaigns) would be nice.

[Ladylouwho]

Hello Colleen,

 

Just wondering if in fact these former perks are reinstated, what will those persons who have so strongly voiced their opinions about not patronizing RCI anymore do at this time? Not for nothing but so many people have IMO gone above posting about the C&A perks being taken away and began mentioning everything else they thought was wrong with RCI i.e. food service, poor service, screaming children and intoxicated adults.

 

Will these folks all of a sudden think that RCI is once again a great cruise line because the C&A policies were rescinded? Will they or should they go back and reinstate their cancelled cruises? Of course, there are some such as yourself who posted valid reasons and have adamantly gone to battle with letter writing campaigns and such so then these questions aren't actually geared to you personally. Just generally interested in how hypocritical it would be if this were to happen. And please understand that I don't expect you personally to answer for a number amount of people, but the thought occured after reading your previous post. Hoping it all works out for everyone, past, current and future cruiesrs!!!

 

Peace!:cool:

 

Hi texlatin1,

Very interesting questions. My opinion/belief is that some of RCI's long term, loyal customers (who really did believe in the Company and supported and helped build up the company over the years and were hurt and angered by the cutbacks and rescinding of benefits) may never come back. I think RCI really blew it with these customers and just may never see some of those folks on their ships in the future.

 

I truly believe that a lot of loyal RCI customers (myself included) OVERLOOKED a lot of the bad incidents onboard and the slipping of quality in many aspects throughout the onboard experience and in customer service. I have sailed enough to have experienced many unfortunate/unpleasant incidents on board and yet never made a big deal out of it. I have never really complained about them except in a couple of incidents because they were so egregious, but all was eventually taken care of. All other incidents were simply overlooked and went unreported because we never expected perfection. We just want to enjoy our cruise, have fun and we do reward companies who appreciate us by continuing to be their customer.

 

RCI was one of those companies. When we took our first cruise on RCI on the Rhapsody out of Galveston in 2003 we had no expectations whatsoever. We had only cruised once before (Big Red Boat III). As we live in Texas we were happy to have a nice ship such as the Rhapsody to sail within driving distance of our home.

 

Little did we know we would become hooked. RCI just continued to reward us the more we sailed. And we reciprocated by booking RCI again and again. We only sailed another line once after that, the Carnival Conquest (out of Galveston) as some friends were already booked and wanted our family to come along on a Thanksgiving sailing. We had a blast on the Conquest but my husband and kids prefer the RCI ships so we booked them again and again.

 

My complaints about the policies of RCI came from the fast and what seemed furious cutbacks, rescinding of benefits and new nickle and dime "choices". As a loyal customer and stockholder I thought they were doing the wrong thing at the wrong time. That they should be giving MORE incentives to keep their loyal customers, especially in a bad economy. The rescinding of the Concierge service and use of the CL on Voyager Class and smaller ships was the last straw. Especially as I have already cruised the Voyager twice and was planning on booking her over the Christmas holidays. For me and mine it is the principle of it all. We do not appreciate the way RCI has handled the situation and feel it truly is a kick in the head to those of us who along with many, many others added to the gowth of the company and spread good will about the company through word of mouth and with bringing new cutomers to the Line.

 

That said, I think RCI CAN salvage some of this. Several days ago I mentioned that if RCI were to admit to not realizing the extent to which these changes to the C & A program would affect some of their best cutomers and do a mea culpa of sorts they just might be able to gain some respect back from these customers. I do not think it is too late for them to turn this around. But I do believe that much damge has been done and the trust between RCI and a lot of its loyal customers is gone. That is really a shame in my point of view.

 

There are many (including me) who will never quite look at the company in the same way again. For a company to destroy that trust and loyalty between itself and its customers is in my opinion pretty shocking. I would think there would be many companies in this world (especially in this economy) who would love to have as one of its major "problems" too many Loyal Returning Customers. I would think that if a completely objective person looked at the current situation between RCI and its loyal customers they would think that RCI had lost its Corporate Mind!

 

Thank you for your last line of your post, I hope it works out too.

 

Colleen

[ED MARY ANN]

Very well said