Changes to C&A...when you think???

[rubrrick]

I have a little different view on this regarding loyalty programs.

Being D+ IMO entitles me to nothing. What did I earn anything with? I booked a number of cruises and paid for them and what I got is usually exactly what I paid for a cruise vacation. I didn´t earn anything else and therefor I don´t deserve anything on future cruises than what I paid for again.

Yes RCI and other companies give their loyal customers some perks, but it´s exactly that a perk given at any given time and not something set in stone that I have "earned" and now "deserve" forever. I take a perk at any time given to me but don´t think it´s something I have earned for lifetime. JMHO.

 

 

I agree Gunnar. Royal Caribbean could become like the airlines, and if you cruise enough this year......you get perks next year, but if you fall behind next year........no perks the following year!!:D

 

Oh boy, some will not like to hear that!!:cool:

 

Rick

[cruisenfever]

I agree Gunnar. Royal Caribbean could become like the airlines, and if you cruise enough this year......you get perks next year, but if you fall behind next year........no perks the following year!!:D

 

Oh boy, some will not like to hear that!!:cool:

 

Rick

LOL.........:p

[madforcruising]

There are all kinds of different ways to approach the subject, now we just have to wait and see what Royal Caribbean is going to do.

 

Rick

 

 

I fully agree with you Rick:)

[Elizanessie]

I agree Gunnar. Royal Caribbean could become like the airlines, and if you cruise enough this year......you get perks next year, but if you fall behind next year........no perks the following year!!:D

 

Oh boy, some will not like to hear that!!:cool:

 

Rick

 

Rick please no !!! :eek:

 

Geez what you trying to so to us...half points!!...UK C&A cant even get us access to online C&A because of issues they have and here you are suggesting half points and only perks if you cruise each year:eek:...oh my giddy aunt are you trying to kill me off today :p

[alexkrn46]

I have a little different view on this regarding loyalty programs.

Being D+ IMO entitles me to nothing. What did I earn anything with? I booked a number of cruises and paid for them and what I got is usually exactly what I paid for a cruise vacation. I didn´t earn anything else and therefor I don´t deserve anything on future cruises than what I paid for again.

Yes RCI and other companies give their loyal customers some perks, but it´s exactly that a perk given at any given time and not something set in stone that I have "earned" and now "deserve" forever. I take a perk at any time given to me but don´t think it´s something I have earned for lifetime. JMHO.

 

I see your point, if they model themselves after airline programs, I will book my cruises like I book airline tickets, solely on price and no loyalty to any one cruise line. I am willing to pay a bit more for perks, but if RCCL does away with this program I will shop according to price.

[rubrrick]

I see your point, if they model themselves after airline programs, I will book my cruises like I book airline tickets, solely on price and no loyalty to any one cruise line. I am willing to pay a bit more for perks, but if RCCL does away with this program I will shop according to price.

 

 

Which is why we, so far, have not heard from Royal Caribbean. Believe me, they are weighing everything, so that they don't lose customers, but somehow, keep the lounges from overflowing, and possibly slow down the outflow of liquor in the concierge lounge.

 

Somehow, I think this is going to be a "no win" situation, so now the biggest question is............when???

 

Rick

[CptSticky]

There also could be a "method to their madness". When they took the cl away from us, we booked the gs to get it back. So, they made money, or did they. I made it my goal to drink all of their Courvoisier. On the last night, the cl ran out, but they still had some in the dl. :rolleyes:

[Rancher Dave]

They need to count number of days at sea...........as that would encompass everyone on board no matter what cabin they are booked in or how much they spent on their cruise.

 

 

 

That would seem a fair way to count. They would still need give additional credit for suites perhaps even within the suites levels 2 tiers of bonus points based on cost of the suite. Royal Suite is usually many times the cost of an inside so probably should get 2 or 3 points for every point given to inside cabins.

 

Maybe they will go the route of some airlines and not give credits for some cabin classes (like airline fare codes) unless booked directly on the RCCL web site. Saves the cruiseline % of the fare they would normally pay out to travel agents. Besides on cheap 3 nights most travel agents would not miss that commission relative to the work required for that small amount of $$$.

 

If they wanted to go all out, use points per Commission value cruise fare, thus all taxes, and port charges, fuel charges are backed out...and then add on the on board spending and set various levels of elite cruisers based on amount spent on board. It may seem to pit rich vs. poor, but lets all keep in mind RCCL is a FOR PROFIT company who is owned by shareholders who expect a return on investment. To that end, reward the customers generating the most revenue and thus generally the highest profit, when just looking at profit as a percentage of revenue.

 

As for changes to CL access, I would think one option is to have D+ separated out by cabin class...i.e. those in inside or outside cabins get access to DL only, those in Balcony or above would get access to the CL...if the CL stays too crowded then perhaps it moves to JRSuite and above get CL access.... On some cruises there are more couples with D+ status than suites...

 

Regardless there will be some pi**ed off folks...but from a business standpoint if the folks complaining the loudest earned all their credits on 3 night inside cabins...oh well, they ususally are not the most profitable pax...and that is ultimately what Adam has to have on the ship to turn a profit that keeps him employed.

[Rancher Dave]

I agree Gunnar. Royal Caribbean could become like the airlines, and if you cruise enough this year......you get perks next year, but if you fall behind next year........no perks the following year!!:D

 

Oh boy, some will not like to hear that!!:cool:

 

Rick

 

That would be an interesting approach...of course some airlines now have changed and allowed lifetime miles to dictate spousal and even traveler lifetime elite status. In some cities unless you are top elite for particular airlines all you ever get is bonus miles...never an upgrade.

 

My dad earns high elite on Continental each year from travel to and from meetings, but only (an he has top elite status) gets upgraded about 1/3-1/2 of the time on his most traveled route which has tons of top elite level flyers on any given flight. He does benefit from more discounted mile award tickets in first class than the regular mix have access to...specific route situation a check I made vs. what mom made to San Juan for a possible cruise...she would be able to snag a non-stop home and what I found was a connection via a partner airline...non-stop saves a few hours getting home...(I will know if I do that cruise in a few weeks.)

 

 

Hope like you mentioned before they don't change the credits for a free cruise...guess it will be a function of how many they have given away since D+ should not be something earned too easily. You and your DW have done tons of travel to earn your status....

[waterbug123]

Yes RCI and other companies give their loyal customers some perks, but it´s exactly that a perk given at any given time and not something set in stone that I have "earned" and now "deserve" forever. I take a perk at any time given to me but don´t think it´s something I have earned for lifetime. JMHO.

 

Very well said!

[cruisenfever]

That would seem a fair way to count. They would still need give additional credit for suites perhaps even within the suites levels 2 tiers of bonus points based on cost of the suite. Royal Suite is usually many times the cost of an inside so probably should get 2 or 3 points for every point given to inside cabins.

Agree, and I would like to add that only those that actually book and pay for the suite should earn those credits. No more extra credits earned just because one received a visit from the upgrade fairy.

[phoenix_dream]

I agree with a different way of adding up the points - to me it is really not fair that people who live near a port and regularly sail 3 day cruises at rock bottom prices get the same number of points as people who cruise 7 days or more. I like the # of days at sea method myself.

 

That said, I do want to stir up the pot and ask why Suite passengers should get more points? My thinking is this - when you pay a Suite cost, you are also already getting way more for that extra money. You get alot of extra perks in addition to the extra room size, etc.. IMHO you are already getting rewarded commensurate to the extra cost. I'm sure suite passengers will light up the boards with this suggestion, but it's my opinion.:rolleyes:

[Host Kewlguy]

I agree with a different way of adding up the points - to me it is really not fair that people who live near a port and regularly sail 3 day cruises at rock bottom prices get the same number of points as people who cruise 7 days or more. I like the # of days at sea method myself.

 

That said, I do want to stir up the pot and ask why Suite passengers should get more points? My thinking is this - when you pay a Suite cost, you are also already getting way more for that extra money. You get alot of extra perks in addition to the extra room size, etc.. IMHO you are already getting rewarded commensurate to the extra cost. I'm sure suite passengers will light up the boards with this suggestion, but it's my opinion.:rolleyes:

 

It's really quite simple. They offer an extra credit to entice people to book a suite. Same thing with giving them concierge access. It's called marketing.

 

While I rarely cruise in suites I feel those that spend the extra money deserve the extra credit.

[madforcruising]

I agree with a different way of adding up the points - to me it is really not fair that people who live near a port and regularly sail 3 day cruises at rock bottom prices get the same number of points as people who cruise 7 days or more. I like the # of days at sea method myself.

 

That said, I do want to stir up the pot and ask why Suite passengers should get more points? My thinking is this - when you pay a Suite cost, you are also already getting way more for that extra money. You get alot of extra perks in addition to the extra room size, etc.. IMHO you are already getting rewarded commensurate to the extra cost. I'm sure suite passengers will light up the boards with this suggestion, but it's my opinion.:rolleyes:

 

I bite and answer, maybe for the same reason business and first class travelers get bonus miles;):p.

[Rancher Dave]

I agree with a different way of adding up the points - to me it is really not fair that people who live near a port and regularly sail 3 day cruises at rock bottom prices get the same number of points as people who cruise 7 days or more. I like the # of days at sea method myself.

 

That said, I do want to stir up the pot and ask why Suite passengers should get more points? My thinking is this - when you pay a Suite cost, you are also already getting way more for that extra money. You get alot of extra perks in addition to the extra room size, etc.. IMHO you are already getting rewarded commensurate to the extra cost. I'm sure suite passengers will light up the boards with this suggestion, but it's my opinion.:rolleyes:

 

True there is more space....but say compare a GS to an Inside....typically several times the price of the inside and only about 2x the space....so RCCL still gets a lot more revenue per pax, thus yes they would be entitled to more cruise credits.

 

Do you feel those who pay for a First Class Airline tickets should not get extra miles for their extra cost? On prior flights I have paid 1800 for FC to NY and had I planned well ahead could have had the same ticket in coach for 250....the extra space and service does not alone justify the extra price...yep I got more FF miles and deserved them.

 

Suites on average are typically higher profit for RCCL since the extra services don't cost RCCL that much to provide, the extra space is more than paid for by the extra cruise fare. (This is based on fare alone.) Yep some inside cabin folks blow tons of money on board and in the casino...perhaps more than some suite guests...

 

The argument some make that everyone on board is equal can be argued all anyone wants but no cruise line looks at is that way...and to that extent everyone just has to realize that RCCL is going to treat the suite guests to a different level of service and in RCCLs award program will give them more rewards, that is a business decision they make and I suspect most folks who look at it from a business standpoint will agree with RCCL.

[phoenix_dream]

Valid points, but I'm still not totally convinced. I think the other perks they offer would more than entice people who can afford it to purchase suites. I have only sailed RCCL once, but is it not true that suite passengers get access to the lounges where the drinks are free during certain hours? I am no expert on the perks stuff but I think I remember reading that. I know when we did sail RCCL and were Diamond members (due to Celebrity sails) when it really meant something, we literally saved hundreds of dollars by drinking in the lounge rather than the bars (there were three of us per cabin, all Diamond). That's a pretty good perk if you ask me, and really brings the cost differential down quite a bit.

 

Maybe I'm just jealous that I can't afford a suite:)

[madforcruising]

Valid points, but I'm still not totally convinced. I think the other perks they offer would more than entice people who can afford it to purchase suites. I have only sailed RCCL once, but is it not true that suite passengers get access to the lounges where the drinks are free during certain hours? I am no expert on the perks stuff but I think I remember reading that. I know when we did sail RCCL and were Diamond members (due to Celebrity sails) when it really meant something, we literally saved hundreds of dollars by drinking in the lounge rather than the bars (there were three of us per cabin, all Diamond). That's a pretty good perk if you ask me, and really brings the cost differential down quite a bit.

 

Maybe I'm just jealous that I can't afford a suite:)

 

 

My approach to the whole discussion is, I can have an opinion, but I can´t have any say in how the program is run. RCI will make their decisions in a matter they think it´s the best way regardless if I agree with them or not.

 

In the meantime I sail with them for the product, not the perks. There will never be such a thing like a "fair" program and there will always be arguments for doing it one way or the other.

 

But I also don´t look at what others get, so it´s OK for me when suites get more points or folks living in Florida getting to cruise easier and more often than myself. I say hey good for them instead of hey they shouldn´t get cruise credits to make D+ so easily;) YMMV.

[Nickawicka]

I am not certain if others experienced this or not. During our cruise in December-January of 2009, we did an open reservation. We just booked our next cruise and found that if you reserved a cruise onboard ship, the shipboard credit (received due to booking on board ship) is no longer combinable with platinum benefits (we booked a balcony stateroom and received $100 as a result of our platinum status). As an FYI, what we discovered is that the only things combinable are the e-mail cruise coupons, the Visa card points reward, and platinum reward. Anything beyond that is not.

[Going Coastal]

I do not know Patti, except through these boards but I have always found her info to be spot on. And she has the most beaustiful grandbaby picture ever.

GC

[cruisenfever]

I am not certain if others experienced this or not. During our cruise in December-January of 2009, we did an open reservation. We just booked our next cruise and found that if you reserved a cruise onboard ship, the shipboard credit (received due to booking on board ship) is no longer combinable with platinum benefits (we booked a balcony stateroom and received $100 as a result of our platinum status). As an FYI, what we discovered is that the only things combinable are the e-mail cruise coupons, the Visa card points reward, and platinum reward. Anything beyond that is not.

I think you will find that you can not combine any coupons if you are getting an OBC from booking on board.

 

I do not know Patti, except through these boards but I have always found her info to be spot on. And she has the most beaustiful grandbaby picture ever.

GC

Ah, thank you so much. No, I'm not always spot on. Thankfully I have Gunnar looking after me.;)

 

Thank you also for the kinds words about our granddaughter. :) She has come so far for being 7 weeks early. Can't believe that she will be 7 months old in a couple of weeks.

[CruiseKeeper]

I agree with a different way of adding up the points - to me it is really not fair that people who live near a port and regularly sail 3 day cruises at rock bottom prices get the same number of points as people who cruise 7 days or more. I like the # of days at sea method myself.

 

That said, I do want to stir up the pot and ask why Suite passengers should get more points? My thinking is this - when you pay a Suite cost, you are also already getting way more for that extra money. You get alot of extra perks in addition to the extra room size, etc.. IMHO you are already getting rewarded commensurate to the extra cost. I'm sure suite passengers will light up the boards with this suggestion, but it's my opinion.:rolleyes:

 

Your equation does not take into consideration those that take a 3 or 4 night cruise AND also sail it in a suite. They are paying more than many 7 nighters. Sometimes number of nights is not fair either. Regardless, when RCI announces the changes, we'll have to live with them. . . or live without them.

[Going Coastal]

Patti, you are most welcome. She is a blessing.

GC

[petesweet]

I agree to an extent Patti. This is the way that Holland America controls what tier a passenger is at, and it's a nice recognition.

 

I think that 3 day cruises should equal one half point, 7 day equal 1 point, 12 day equal two points.

 

Anyone staying in a suite gets another half point for a 3 day, extra point for 7 day and (gasp) 2 extra points for a 12 day!:)

 

There are all kinds of different ways to approach the subject, now we just have to wait and see what Royal Caribbean is going to do.

 

Rick

 

And how about not making every member of the household a Diamond member just because Mom or Dad is? Little 1-year-old Johnny is now a Diamond for life for sleeping through one short cruise. To me, that's the logical place to start the cut.

Kathy

[petesweet]

Your equation does not take into consideration those that take a 3 or 4 night cruise AND also sail it in a suite. They are paying more than many 7 nighters. Sometimes number of nights is not fair either. Regardless, when RCI announces the changes, we'll have to live with them. . . or live without them.

 

Also, regardless of what the decision is, there will be lots of angry people. RCI can't win.

I'm with madforcruising!

Kathy

[Aquahound]

In the meantime I sail with them for the product, not the perks. There will never be such a thing like a "fair" program and there will always be arguments for doing it one way or the other.

 

I agree with you 100% I didn't have any perks on my first RCI cruise, but I returned because I loved the product. The rest of my cruises up until D were equally fantastic. I'll take what they give me, but that is not why RCI is my cruise line of choice.