CAS Changes

[CptSticky]

How did I know you might say that!!! :D;)

 

Sorry-the occasional suite guest has a right to an opinion just like anyone else.!! No one is right or wrong here. Just making personal observations.

If you count the suites, all suites filled-all guests go to the lounge. It would be crowded!! We all have the numbers on that. Just need to count the rooms via deck plans!

 

What's really sad are the folks that base the vacation on the lounges. I've read by many many avid posters and cruisers on here that 'If I can't go in the lounge-I'm not cruising with them anymore' I find that could possibly have someone fall into the catagory of loosing the whole idea of a vacation possibly!!!

For some, that is their idea of a perfect vacation. Are you saying that they are wrong and that your idea of a vacation is better?

[island lady]

I can understand the debate over these changes, and it makes for interesting reading. Lively debate for sure.

 

But, just like I said the last two times they changed the program (Sept 2009 and June 2010, I believe), I still say............

 

it's a free program of perks and benefits!!! Anything RCCL chooses to give me for free, I will gladly accept and appreciate. It's their program and they can change it any way they want as far as I'm concerned. I'm happy they are grandfathering existing levels, but changing the FREE bennies is up to them.

 

A poster up above asked what the D and D+ levels were worth, anyway. Personally, we think the priority embarkation and debarkation is priceless. I don't care how crowded it gets: I'm still on the ship early, and escorted off the ship with the earlier groups and can get on with my day in both cases.

 

It might, I repeat might, be disappointing for people that are near a new level, but I still can't help but disagree with the sense of entitlement some people have.

 

It's a FREE program, so enjoy whatever you get and say "thank you"! :D

 

I am one of the people that are one point away from Diamond, embarking on the cruise that would make me Diamond on completion just 2 days after "said change" on the rules. It is not the perks on board, or the pins, or the water bottles, or the lounge...etc. that I am trying to achieve. It is where it helps in my wallet with the huge difference on the balcony disount offered to Diamonds versus Platinum that I was looking for on future cruises. That is indeed an incentive to stay "a loyal royal" for me, and I was just assuming that was the whole point???

[elleluv]

I spent more per pax rate on my 3 night cruise in a suite, than I am spending per pax on our 10 night cruise in a regular cabin.

 

Old system: 2 points on the 3 night, and 1 point on the 10 night. More fair to me as it rewards the more expensive rate paid. Extra points that carry more weight in ratio, expecially when I am only 1 point away from Diamond at the so called change date of 1/12, with my next cruise being 1/14 and that 1 point that would have made me Diamond after completion of 1/14 cruise.

 

New system: I get 6 points on a cruise that cost me more money, and 10 points on the longer, (but cheaper) cruise. I then still stuck at Platinum...or Platinum plus, or Emerald or some other "precious stone/metal".

 

So how does the new system help me? :rolleyes:

 

Again, we're all speculating... and I didn't say the new system we're talking about would help everyone... but I do believe that after many cruises, the averaging of counting days will get you to the same C&A status unless you are doing the vast majority of either all short or all long sailings.

[elleluv]

At the very least I would like to see them allow all non-refundable paid in full cruises going forward from the announcement date to go toward status under the old system.

 

That would mean if the announcement is made on 1/12/11, then most cruises through the end of March would allow for the old way of counting cruise credits. (shorter cruises of course have less days between final payment and sailing)

 

I don't see it as being fair to rip the C&A status out from under someone's nose on such short notice when they are that close.

 

I mean really - they plan to give out pinnacle level to some who are no where close if counting days at sea, why would they not allow someone only one credit away from diamond to just be an automatic diamond? Or give fair warning.

 

I'm definitely on your side on this one.

 

Gina

 

 

I couldn't agree more, Gina... I would be very disappointed if Royal didn't give enough notice of any change to cover the penalty date.

 

It would be entirely unfair if people had booked a cruise just to make the next level and then they don't allow them to cancel when they move the carrot on them.

[twirlgirl]

We are only one jpoint from Diamond Plus. Will have 23 on Jan 2nd cruise and scheduled for # 24 on Feb. 6th on the Freedom. Can't belive this is happing. Bev

[storm1of4]

I also agree with Kathy and Gina, but those that have 100 cruises and have received the Pinnacle, may be invited to join, but maybe they can not have any more free cruises till they have reached the 750 day mark.

 

When someone has achieved the 100 cruise mark, under todays system, they are still D+. What I believe you are saying and it would be a good idea to keep those that have not reached the 750 day mark, as D+, and not recognize the Pinnacle till they have reached 750 days.

 

Rick

 

Thanks goodness that at the end of the last December cruise Bobbie's count is 750. I have done my part.......I pay!!:D

 

 

Sure I see how it is....youve got yours... so why not close the door behind you??? You would certainly be crying foul if you were a mere and simple Platinum or lowly Diamond member. And what is Pinnacle? No anouncment has been made by anyone in authority to speak for RCI??? Entertainment that's all this is...

[elleluv]

Exactly-it is both our opinions!!:)

They have the numbers. They must take into consideration if sometimes, most suite guests do use the lounge. They know because they are the only ones that know on an overall average-if the lounges are more crowded then not. I know I only cruise a few times and now will be able to cruise much more. I'm making my opinion based on what I've seen. I've seen crowded and read more thinks on the DL that tell me it is more crowded then not during 'happy hour'.

 

Both of us have been down this road before and it sure is fun. No harm no foul-just opionions. You are very passionate about the lounges. Passion is a good thing.:) What the company's passion is may be very different then ours!!;)

 

 

Debde... I have to ask which sailings you've been on where the CL has been so crowded? If you are talking about sailings prior to September, 2009 then those really aren't relevant because it was prior to the change were Diamond members weren't allow access any more.

 

I'm only seeing one cruise listed in your signature since then... Serenade, 2010... We did a B2B on that ship during that time frame and I'll admit the lounge was pretty dang busy. I think Serenade from San Juan is one of those regular sailings (along with Explorer from the Northeast) that tends to be heavy on the D+ passengers.

 

We've done somewhere between 12 and 15 sailings though since September, 2009 and honestly, on most sailings the lounge has *not* been busy. The two exceptions I can think of right off the bat were the Serenade sailings I mentioned and the Jewel Transatlantic we did in September. Other than those, the sailings we've been on have had between 17 - 32 D+ members. We've had some instances where we've been in the lounge that there have only been another 10 passengers or so that we've ever seen during happy hour.

 

I don't doubt that the CL was busy when you were onboard, but that just isn't the norm these days based on my experience.

[Debde]

For some, that is their idea of a perfect vacation. Are you saying that they are wrong and that your idea of a vacation is better?

 

Nope!! That is why we all are throwing out opinions!! :D

 

for some-it is family time

for some-it's meet some new friends time

for some-it's quiet time

for some it's get away from all people time :eek::p [i think sandals has some private island time for that!!;)

[storm1of4]

Debde... I have to ask which sailings you've been on where the CL has been so crowded? If you are talking about sailings prior to September, 2009 then those really aren't relevant because it was prior to the change were Diamond members weren't allow access any more.

 

I'm only seeing one cruise listed in your signature since then... Serenade, 2010... We did a B2B on that ship during that time frame and I'll admit the lounge was pretty dang busy. I think Serenade from San Juan is one of those regular sailings (along with Explorer from the Northeast) that tends to be heavy on the D+ passengers.

 

We've done somewhere between 12 and 15 sailings though since September, 2009 and honestly, on most sailings the lounge has *not* been busy. The two exceptions I can think of right off the bat were the Serenade sailings I mentioned and the Jewel Transatlantic we did in September. Other than those, the sailings we've been on have had between 17 - 32 D+ members. We've had some instances where we've been in the lounge that there have only been another 10 passengers or so that we've ever seen during happy hour.

 

I don't doubt that the CL was busy when you were onboard, but that just isn't the norm these days based on my experience.

 

 

Yes this has been my experience exactly....dont understand what all the fuss is about. Even this December wasnt busy except the first night.......

[pcur]

We are only one jpoint from Diamond Plus. Will have 23 on Jan 2nd cruise and scheduled for # 24 on Feb. 6th on the Freedom. Can't belive this is happing. Bev

 

Bev, if it's important to you to reach D+, then can pay some extra on the 1/2/11 cruise to get the extra credit, and go up to a suite? I did this last March to get us to D+. I paid the extra $$ for a Jr Suite for the extra credit.

[Cruising89143]

I think you will be underwhelmed and not entertained. The changes won't be that significant and for those that it is, it will be because they earned their former credits on short cruises. Not too much to argue about and not too many who will come to their defense.

 

Hope you get your JOLLY'S in some other way. HOHOHO!!!!

 

Thanks Colleen.

[elleluv]

 

Peggy, the Explorer has eliminated the priority debarkation from a private lounge.

 

We were on the Nov. 28th sailing and no more being escorted off the ship.

 

Wonder if other ships will follow.

 

 

I have noticed that they've done away with the priority disembarkation on several ships during sailings where there are a large number of people that qualify for it. Since it's a perk that kicks in at the Platinum level, there are times that there are several hundred people who could do the priority disembark... waaaaay too many to manage. We've given up on it during the past couple of years.

[mpdp]

I feel it would be extremly unfair if they change the program without enough notice to let the people cancel any future cruises that they have. Because if they decide they are changes we should have the same chance too.

[rubrrick]

Sure I see how it is....youve got yours... so why not close the door behind you??? You would certainly be crying foul if you were a mere and simple Platinum or lowly Diamond member. And what is Pinnacle? No anouncment has been made by anyone in authority to speak for RCI??? Entertainment that's all this is...

 

And if you look at some of my original posts, I continue to say that this is all rumor. If you have been reading most of the posts on this thread, they refer to Pinnacle as a new tier. However, when one reaches 100 cruises, they are given a pinnacle as their reward (as well as a free cruise).

 

You have to remember that I too started out as a Gold member, and today I'm a Diamond Plus member. It does not matter how many cruises beyond the 24 that made me Diamond +. Again everything here about a new tier system is rumor, and until someone from Royal Caribbean makes some sort of announcement, it truly is entertainment!

 

Rick

[PH8]

 

What I believe you are saying and it would be a good idea to keep those that have not reached the 750 day mark, as D+, and not recognize the Pinnacle till they have reached 750 days.

 

Rick

 

Yup,thats what I am saying.....:p

 

I think it diminishes the achievement if it's given to those who haven't really earned it by the new standards.

 

 

Gina

I agree..........once again.......

[Cruising89143]

I have noticed that they've done away with the priority disembarkation on several ships during sailings where there are a large number of people that qualify for it. Since it's a perk that kicks in at the Platinum level, there are times that there are several hundred people who could do the priority disembark... waaaaay too many to manage. We've given up on it during the past couple of years.

 

That's why the new terminal #18 in FLL for Oasis and Allure is great. When you check in and go to your seating area they divide you up by Suites, D+, Diamond, Platinum and general boarding. You board in that order and it goes very smoothly no matter how many guests you have in each level.

[FLACRUISER99]

I can understand the debate over these changes, and it makes for interesting reading. Lively debate for sure.

 

But, just like I said the last two times they changed the program (Sept 2009 and June 2010, I believe), I still say............

 

it's a free program of perks and benefits!!! Anything RCCL chooses to give me for free, I will gladly accept and appreciate. It's their program and they can change it any way they want as far as I'm concerned. I'm happy they are grandfathering existing levels, but changing the FREE bennies is up to them.

 

A poster up above asked what the D and D+ levels were worth, anyway. Personally, we think the priority embarkation and debarkation is priceless. I don't care how crowded it gets: I'm still on the ship early, and escorted off the ship with the earlier groups and can get on with my day in both cases.

 

It might, I repeat might, be disappointing for people that are near a new level, but I still can't help but disagree with the sense of entitlement some people have.

 

It's a FREE program, so enjoy whatever you get and say "thank you"! :D

What you forget is many folks make the final decision on what line or ship to cruise on using the perks available to them. For example I booked 28 days on Mariner and a big part of my decision was based on use of the CL, and D+ Laundry and INTERNET coupons. I am Elite on Princess and get free Laundry & Internet and much more OBC because combining is allowed. That being said I will accept the changes (if its not all a big made up story) but not be happy if I loose bennies on cruises I have booked!

[elleluv]

That's why the new terminal #18 in FLL for Oasis and Allure is great. When you check in and go to your seating area they divide you up by Suites, D+, Diamond, Platinum and general boarding. You board in that order and it goes very smoothly no matter how many guests you have in each level.

 

 

We did Oasis in May... absolutely, without a doubt, smoothest embarkation process ever.

[Tucker in Texas]

Here is what I have learned over the years: 90% of the things you worry about never happen, and the 10% that do, are not as bad as you thought they'd be.

.;):D

 

What a great quote! I'm going to add it to my "As long as I have my family and my health, nothing else matters" and "It's nothing money can't cure." Of course, in that case, you need the money to cure it (lol). These are things I repeat to myself when I starting getting upset over something minor.

 

As for the realignment of the credits, I would have had my 24 for Diamond Plus in at the end of next year. Now, I will still need two more which probably won't come until 2012 since we have already booked four cruises for 2011--three on Celebrity and one on Royal. I could have just as easily booked Royal next year but my priorities are itinerary and price rather than perks. Nowhere did I sign a contract with Royal that promised me "x" if I did "y." They sweetened the pot and I licked the spoon enjoying every lick when it worked out, thank you very much.

 

Ironically, I made Diamond just as they revamped that program. And, you know what, the sun still comes up in the East, my toilets still have to be cleaned. I'm just grateful when I wake up every morning vertical and vibrating and keep on cruising.

 

Tucker in Texas

[GMoney]

I can understand the debate over these changes, and it makes for interesting reading. Lively debate for sure.

 

But, just like I said the last two times they changed the program (Sept 2009 and June 2010, I believe), I still say............

 

it's a free program of perks and benefits!!! Anything RCCL chooses to give me for free, I will gladly accept and appreciate. It's their program and they can change it any way they want as far as I'm concerned. I'm happy they are grandfathering existing levels, but changing the FREE bennies is up to them.

 

A poster up above asked what the D and D+ levels were worth, anyway. Personally, we think the priority embarkation and debarkation is priceless. I don't care how crowded it gets: I'm still on the ship early, and escorted off the ship with the earlier groups and can get on with my day in both cases.

 

It might, I repeat might, be disappointing for people that are near a new level, but I still can't help but disagree with the sense of entitlement some people have.

 

It's a FREE program, so enjoy whatever you get and say "thank you"! :D

 

You are the only rational person on this message board.

[SherriZ366]

[quote name='thelion']Don't quote me on this, because I am not positive, but I BELIEVE the tiers are


Gold = up to 29 nights
Platinum = 30 - 49 nights
Emerald = 50 -74 nights
Diamond = 75 - 174 nights
Diamond + = 175 nights (roughly 25 7nt sailings)
Pinnacle = 750 nights +

I know it is a HUGE leap between Diamond and Diamond + and Diamond + and Pinnacle. I know they are also making some changes on balcony discounts, which levels get them and how much they are (again....)

I haven't heard anything about CL access.[/QUOTE]wonder if they would have any intermediate levels like they have after making D+ -- like 49 cruises (you get to pay 150%, etc.) 75, 100, 150.

[SherriZ366]

[quote name='island lady']OK...so I will be "Emerald" by the time I complete my 1/14 cruise. I like green!! :)
It is my favorite color!! $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ :D :D[/QUOTE]I don't know why they picked the 12th of the month but maybe it will slip until Jan. 30.

[CVU]

[quote name='elleluv']We did Oasis in May... absolutely, [I]without a doubt[/I], smoothest embarkation process [B]ever[/B].[/quote]
Absolutely---- YES!! :)
We were on in Oct. It was great, wish they all were like that. From the Oasis we went to Miami the next day, for the Liberty, our Worst on or off [B]ever[/B]!!!!:eek:

[negc]

[quote name='mommabean']What? How dare you be a voice of reason in our lovely rumorville! :p

I do remember the panic of last June. D+ was to lose the CL last summer. :rolleyes: Or so the rumor was.[/QUOTE]

I know, I should be ashamed of myself. ;) Guess it was a leftover of yesterday's Christmas Spirit. As Francis of Assisi wisely said "Lord grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference." Unfortunately I think too many have forgotten the last part of that prayer. It must be nice to have so perfect a life that one can expend so much energy worrying about the fairness of the C&A cruise credit formula.:)

[SherriZ366]

[quote name='ckrobyn']I was on the Freedom last month staying in a GS (and I am also D+).

We found a seat with no problem every night in the CL. I was shocked to find out that I was one of only 33 Diamond Plus members onboard :eek: I don't know, but I thought that was a pretty low number considering there were almost 4000 passengers on that sailing.

Like everyone else, I have worked hard to get to D+ and I would be pretty miffed if they took my CL priviledges away :mad:[/QUOTE]The only time the DL was on FOS was excessively crowded was on the Nov. 28 - 4 nighter we just took. There were so Diamonds that it was hard to find a seat either in the DL or overflow especially before 1st seating -- we were in second seating so it was less crowded. The cruise was marketed to folks in the surrounding communities to Port Canaveral and many, many folks were D or D+. Most folks drove to the port with the result that not only was the parking garage at FOS's terminal full -- so was the overflow lot (Lot A). Some folks ended up parking in the garages at the other terminals. This was a very unusual situation.