CAS Changes

[Rockfordcruiser]

They probably received the signage already and the pier didn't know it was not implemented yet.

 

Also...I have some potentially not so great news. According to my source implementation date is 1/12/11

If your source would like any input, I have just one thing that might ease a few with the proposed changes.

 

Said changes are to take effect 1/12/11. For anyone that has cruises booked now and doesn't sail till after proposed change. Count the booked cruises under old program if it were to advance then to the next level quicker. Yes, you would have to complete any booked cruises to count. I have 18 cc I would be at 19 once new program takes effect so 5 shy of next stat level. I actually with current bookings would still be short 1 cc once sailed. The hope was that RCL would offer the D event for Dec of 2011 and with my current bookings I would have obtained

D+ status in Dec 2011. Now with new proposed program I would be 5 cruises short. It's a win/win for RCL if they honor old program for current bookings. Doesn't leave that bad taste in my mouth like it did in 2009 when they changed. JMO

[mommabean]

So, if you deal so closely with them.......how are you going to get them out of trouble with the Oasis Class ships.......that are financially drowning them??

 

The are even keeping that from their shareholders.. Too bad that they could not understand that the smaller ships that did the 3/4 night run, were cash cows........at least under the last President.

 

This CEO, cannot even keep track of who is in the third position and the forth position.......as the top cruisers!

 

After giving out his BS about how many accountant firms keep track of the cruisers.............he had the 3rd and 4th backward.

 

Small FU..........but both parties were really pissed. This is the kind of company Goldstein runs.......and it's only thanks to so many of his corporate Vice Presidents........that he has not put the company under.

 

Someday..........his incompetence will finally come out.:rolleyes:

 

Rick

 

Whoa! Maybe you can tell us what you really think? :) ;)

 

Good stuff!!

 

Gina

[rubrrick]

Whoa! Maybe you can tell us what you really think? :) ;)

 

Good stuff!!

 

Gina

 

 

Gee, Gina.......that is what I really do think.:D

 

Rick

[CptSticky]

Don't know if there are any in the Diamond Lounges on the larger ships but there certainly is nothing at the Diamond Event on the smaller and Voyager class ships. Absolutely nothing to pick on.......we had peanuts or trail mix the first 2 nights and then they said they ran out of them. We were going to go make a few platters from the WJ and bring them to the event for everyone but then we chickened out.....LOL Actually, there weren't many people in there.......it really was a sad event! We didn't even go every night because it was so empty.

We have gone to the WJ and brought things to the DL, or pizza from the promanade. The trail mix su**s. They provide almost all food on board, so how much would it cost them to provide hors d'oeuvres in the diamond lounge? I know those who sail the larger ships are asking themselves what I'm talking about. Oh wait, I'm D+ now so I should not have to worry about that any more. Unless the rumors are correct.:o

[thelion]

i'm just guessing, because they have to pick some date after all, so that 12-31-10 is the cutoff, and the "change" takes affect 1-1-11, and the "announcement" will come 1-12-11. not sure what you meant by "backdating" since 1-1-11 hasn't happened yet.

 

and as for the 1-12-11 date??? that is what the rumor is but noone seems to know why that date has been arbitrarily (?) picked. they could certainly make the announcement any time they wish, and the 12-31-10 date just seems to make sense cuz it's at the end of the diamond celebration month, the end of the year, and they need a cutoff date.

 

It would be back dating from the announcement. That is unprecedented to make an announcement two weeks after the change takes place. If RCI wants to really see some outrage, they should just try doing that. :eek:

 

I didn't say go back. I said give a future cruise certificate for a future cruise. That pretty much just locks in one more booking since no one will want to let their certificate go to waste. Also, it would make a lot of people happy to get the FCC and then some would lose it, forget to use it and at least they'd feel like they didn't have their price lowered by a whole lot of money 3 days after booking.

 

They are also having to lower prices a lot more lately and a lot lower with all the people who aren't booking so far out now. I've noticed a lot more upgrades going out to people this past half year. I've even been the recipient of one. :eek: Do they make more money by lowering prices lower than ever?

 

Businesses that do best, set themselves apart and don't do what everyone else is doing.

 

Gina

 

It just is no longer feasible to allow unlimited price reductions - in any fashion. I can't get into too many details, but FCCs and things of that nature were looked into and the cost associated (including sheer man power to handle that!) was astronomical.

 

So, if you deal so closely with them.......how are you going to get them out of trouble with the Oasis Class ships.......that are financially drowning them??

 

The are even keeping that from their shareholders.. Too bad that they could not understand that the smaller ships that did the 3/4 night run, were cash cows........at least under the last President.

 

This CEO, cannot even keep track of who is in the third position and the forth position.......as the top cruisers!

 

After giving out his BS about how many accountant firms keep track of the cruisers.............he had the 3rd and 4th backward.

 

Small FU..........but both parties were really pissed. This is the kind of company Goldstein runs.......and it's only thanks to so many of his corporate Vice Presidents........that he has not put the company under.

 

Someday..........his incompetence will finally come out.:rolleyes:

 

Rick

 

:eek:

 

You seem a bit upset. As for the Oasis and Allure, there are plans in place to handle that debt and even with the poor economy, they are progressing on schedule. Beyond that, I cannot discuss it further ;)

 

As for Goldstein. Well. I don't know many CEOs that are perfect and I don't know enough about him to comment. But I can say that the upper management and VPs that I have met have been amazing both when I worked directly for them and now.

[DarthGrady]

If your source would like any input, I have just one thing that might ease a few with the proposed changes.

 

Said changes are to take effect 1/12/11. For anyone that has cruises booked now and doesn't sail till after proposed change. Count the booked cruises under old program if it were to advance then to the next level quicker. Yes, you would have to complete any booked cruises to count. I have 18 cc I would be at 19 once new program takes effect so 5 shy of next stat level. I actually with current bookings would still be short 1 cc once sailed. The hope was that RCL would offer the D event for Dec of 2011 and with my current bookings I would have obtained

D+ status in Dec 2011. Now with new proposed program I would be 5 cruises short. It's a win/win for RCL if they honor old program for current bookings. Doesn't leave that bad taste in my mouth like it did in 2009 when they changed. JMO

 

Big time good point there ^^^^^.

 

Any booked cruises should definitely count toward the old system. Its not right to change the rules mid game.

[Cruzin-K]

Big time good point there ^^^^^.

 

Any booked cruises should definitely count toward the old system. Its not right to change the rules mid game.

 

That would be nice, but probably not very likely :(

 

Even if they just allowed cruises that are already in the final payment period to count under the old system I'd be happy. My Feb cruise would have made me Platinum. Now it will just put me at 29 days, still one day short of Platinum and so far away from Diamond that depending on how much I like my first Princess cruise in a couple weeks, I'll probably become one of those cruisers who just books for the itinerary and price, to heck with which cruise line it is. The benefits for Platinum don't really justify not taking the lowest price, best itinerary cruise even if it's on another line.

 

I decided two and a half years ago that I was done with Carnival and just really really like Royal Caribbean, but I will be more likely to try out different cruise lines if there won't be any benefit to sticking with one. It's the same with airlines. American Airlines makes it easy to stay loyal because they still have a halfway decent frequent flyer miles program. I just went to Australia and back in First/Business class for 140,000 miles. Delta and it's crappy FF program are charging me 107,000 miles for a coach ticket to Europe. Not exactly comparable. Once I spend my Delta miles, I'm done with them.

 

Once I finish my Navigator cruise I may not be done with Royal, but I may not be loyal either.

[lordtimothy]

Gee, Gina.......that is what I really do think.:D

 

Rick

 

 

Rick

 

Wishing you a GREAT New Year ! ! !

I love it ! ! !

[Rockfordcruiser]

Rick

 

Wishing you a GREAT New Year ! ! !

 

I love it ! ! !

LT Hope you had a good xmas and wishing you a Happy New year.

[Cliftoncruz]

Man do I feel like a chump! Sitting here with 18 cruise credits, with 3 cruises scheduled in September 2011. Yes, short ones on the Majesty in a GS costing over $6000 (more than a 12 night on the Explorer or Enchantment in a GS). For those thinking they were purchased to help reach Diamond +, you are probably right. However, those cruises were the only ones that fitted into my DW work schedule.

 

When we reached diamond it was about 1 year before we technically lost access to the CL. So true to form, I assume we will not be reaching diamond + as we had planned. Those 18 credits equal about 114 days using the formula floated on cc, double the days for being in a suite. So I guess I need maybe 57 days to make diamond + instead of 6 credits.

 

What even makes this worst in back in 2007 we purchased 3 next cruise credits. So I committed to RCI for at least 3 cruises, only used 1 in 2010. So since 2007 RCL has had $600 of our money. Yes, I the Royal BOA card. What a fool I am.

 

Somebody will probably inform me never book just to receive loyalty points, not the case we enjoyed the product. However, several things have changed that for us, such as the past changes in the C & A, the lack of WOW on Royal, and the contemptuous treatment by Celebrity Century, and RCI company of the passengers (friends of ours on that cruise) on the October 13 sailing. If you have time go over the CC Celebrity read the over 1650 posting and over 100000 views.

 

So my options are wait and see when and what are announced about the levels in C & A. As the rumors progress on this thread about the changes I believe we may be one of the few that will not be happy. I sincerely hope I am wrong.

 

So flame away oh cheerleaders!

Just one more point I always recommended Royal to fellow workers and family, and still did up to Thursday! We have only cruised on Royal and Celebrity.

[HERnME2]

It seems to me that you should not worry so much about your title/level, But more about your entitlement.

 

What I mean is they grandfather you in as a D+ ,, Okay good but now your perks are what they were when you a diamond..:confused: I think we should be more concerned with the perks going along with the title then then the level they brand on us..

[CptSticky]

Man do I feel like a chump! Sitting here with 18 cruise credits, with 3 cruises scheduled in September 2011. Yes, short ones on the Majesty in a GS costing over $6000 (more than a 12 night on the Explorer or Enchantment in a GS). For those thinking they were purchased to help reach Diamond +, you are probably right. However, those cruises were the only ones that fitted into my DW work schedule.

 

 

When we reached diamond it was about 1 year before we technically lost access to the CL. So true to form, I assume we will not be reaching diamond + as we had planned. Those 18 credits equal about 114 days using the formula floated on cc, double the days for being in a suite. So I guess I need maybe 57 days to make diamond + instead of 6 credits.

 

What even makes this worst in back in 2007 we purchased 3 next cruise credits. So I committed to RCI for at least 3 cruises, only used 1 in 2010. So since 2007 RCL has had $600 of our money. Yes, I the Royal BOA card. What a fool I am.

 

Somebody will probably inform me never book just to receive loyalty points, not the case we enjoyed the product. However, several things have changed that for us, such as the past changes in the C & A, the lack of WOW on Royal, and the contemptuous treatment by Celebrity Century, and RCI company of the passengers (friends of ours on that cruise) on the October 13 sailing. If you have time go over the CC Celebrity read the over 1650 posting and over 100000 views.

 

So my options are wait and see when and what are announced about the levels in C & A. As the rumors progress on this thread about the changes I believe we may be one of the few that will not be happy. I sincerely hope I am wrong.

 

So flame away oh cheerleaders!

 

 

 

Just one more point I always recommended Royal to fellow workers and family, and still did up to Thursday! We have only cruised on Royal and Celebrity.

 

I for one will not flame you, I feel your pain. They try to get you to feel loyalty to their brand, but for them it's only money. When they feel the need, they cast you aside.

[C 2 C]

Someday..........his incompetence will finally come out.:rolleyes:

 

Rick

 

Hi Rick:

 

I'm just not feeling the love over at the other company either...

Some times I really wonder who's in charge of the asylum.. ;)

[seaofwonder]

I didn't say go back. I said give a future cruise certificate for a future cruise. That pretty much just locks in one more booking since no one will want to let their certificate go to waste. Also, it would make a lot of people happy to get the FCC and then some would lose it, forget to use it and at least they'd feel like they didn't have their price lowered by a whole lot of money 3 days after booking.

 

They are also having to lower prices a lot more lately and a lot lower with all the people who aren't booking so far out now. I've noticed a lot more upgrades going out to people this past half year. I've even been the recipient of one. :eek: Do they make more money by lowering prices lower than ever?

 

Businesses that do best, set themselves apart and don't do what everyone else is doing.

 

Gina

 

I would love a FCC for the difference. I had a pre 5/17 cruise that dropped $600 just 3 days before the cruise....I snapped up the higher stateroom (JS) and the money. However, I would have been just as happy putting that $600 towards my next cruise. In fact, I withdrew that $600 (paid the stupid 3% casino fee) and am depositing it on my next cruise this week anyways.

 

If Southwest can make it work in their business model (and they are quite a successful airline), why couldn't it work for RCCL? It's not like everyone would be doing it...not everyone is so savvy to be checking every day (I know I wouldn't if it weren't for CC).

[thelion]

I would love a FCC for the difference. I had a pre 5/17 cruise that dropped $600 just 3 days before the cruise....I snapped up the higher stateroom (JS) and the money. However, I would have been just as happy putting that $600 towards my next cruise. In fact, I withdrew that $600 (paid the stupid 3% casino fee) and am depositing it on my next cruise this week anyways.

 

If Southwest can make it work in their business model (and they are quite a successful airline), why couldn't it work for RCCL? It's not like everyone would be doing it...not everyone is so savvy to be checking every day (I know I wouldn't if it weren't for CC).

 

You would be surprised.

[Elkhornne]

Cliff,

We did the same thing. We just made Diamond. We have 2 non Cruise trips planned, 14 days each for Feb and Mar 2011 so with our schedule we could not book earlier. We have booked all the Cruises we needed to get to Diamond Plus in Jun and Jul 2011. If this new policy does start in Jan we'll cancel all cruises and re-evaluate future plans. This is just my opinion and what we'll do. Some may not agree but it's our money.

[detroitautocruisers]

It would be back dating from the announcement. That is unprecedented to make an announcement two weeks after the change takes place.

 

Originally Posted by thelion

They probably received the signage already and the pier didn't know it was not implemented yet.

 

Also...I have some potentially not so great news. According to my source implementation date is 1/12/11

 

then what exactly do you think they're going to do, since they have to pick a date to 1) announce it, and 2) make it "effective (from)"? if 1-12-11 is the rumored implementation date, what is the announcement date?

 

what if you're sailing on 1-12-11? what if it's embarkation day on 1-12-11? do those count under the new plan? old plan?

 

if 1-12-11 is the 'implementation' date, then when will they announce it?

[DarthGrady]

Man do I feel like a chump! Sitting here with 18 cruise credits, with 3 cruises scheduled in September 2011. Yes, short ones on the Majesty in a GS costing over $6000 (more than a 12 night on the Explorer or Enchantment in a GS). For those thinking they were purchased to help reach Diamond +, you are probably right. However, those cruises were the only ones that fitted into my DW work schedule.

 

When we reached diamond it was about 1 year before we technically lost access to the CL. So true to form, I assume we will not be reaching diamond + as we had planned. Those 18 credits equal about 114 days using the formula floated on cc, double the days for being in a suite. So I guess I need maybe 57 days to make diamond + instead of 6 credits.

 

What even makes this worst in back in 2007 we purchased 3 next cruise credits. So I committed to RCI for at least 3 cruises, only used 1 in 2010. So since 2007 RCL has had $600 of our money. Yes, I the Royal BOA card. What a fool I am.

 

Somebody will probably inform me never book just to receive loyalty points, not the case we enjoyed the product. However, several things have changed that for us, such as the past changes in the C & A, the lack of WOW on Royal, and the contemptuous treatment by Celebrity Century, and RCI company of the passengers (friends of ours on that cruise) on the October 13 sailing. If you have time go over the CC Celebrity read the over 1650 posting and over 100000 views.

 

So my options are wait and see when and what are announced about the levels in C & A. As the rumors progress on this thread about the changes I believe we may be one of the few that will not be happy. I sincerely hope I am wrong.

 

So flame away oh cheerleaders!

Just one more point I always recommended Royal to fellow workers and family, and still did up to Thursday! We have only cruised on Royal and Celebrity.

 

You'll get no flaming here. I agree with you 100%. We are trying to get to Diamond before our Allure cruise in September. We have 8 credits now, and have two more booked before then. But if they change the requirements (in the way this thread suggests) then we won't qualify. Its very disappointing when you are looking forward to achieving a goal and are then told you might not make it.

 

Pay no attention to those who bash or make snide comments about others who take frequent short cruises. They think just because they don't have the desire or wherewithal to do so means that everyone should feel the same way.

[applehunt]

I hate to say it, but they have been talking about this possible "change" to happen January 1, 2011 for MONTHS! I needed one cruise credit to make diamond so I made sure to take a cruise to get that last credit before the end of the year. I have been granted diamond status. Sorry...but why are you just now listening to the rumors when they have been going around for months. JMO

[Mark_K]

It would be back dating from the announcement. That is unprecedented to make an announcement two weeks after the change takes place.

 

Originally Posted by thelion

They probably received the signage already and the pier didn't know it was not implemented yet.

 

Also...I have some potentially not so great news. According to my source implementation date is 1/12/11

 

then what exactly do you think they're going to do, since they have to pick a date to 1) announce it, and 2) make it "effective (from)"? if 1-12-11 is the rumored implementation date, what is the announcement date?

 

what if you're sailing on 1-12-11? what if it's embarkation day on 1-12-11? do those count under the new plan? old plan?

 

if 1-12-11 is the 'implementation' date, then when will they announce it?

As far as I can tell, Royal Caribbean has no cruises embarking on 1/12/11. Coincidence?

[Elkhornne]

Apple,

If you're referring to me I just found this site in Nov. I just joined and had no idea about the changes. This site is very informative, I just wish I found it about 1 year earlier.

[Cliftoncruz]

Dear Applehunt,

 

You are entitled to your opinion, and I respect it.

 

Sometimes commitment to ones employer may govern when one can take time off. DW time off can only be taken at certain times of the year. We did take a 12 day cruise on the Explorer in March, 2010. It is easy to base ones actions upon rumor, I think not. In my former chosen profession I would have been in serious trouble if I made decisions based upon rumor. I had to search out the truth, and present the truth.

 

We try to do one cruise a year, since we started cruising in 2002 on Royal (raising 5 children, college, other ancillary costs :D, still one at home).

 

So I tried to do my best with what was within my ability.

[thelion]

It would be back dating from the announcement. That is unprecedented to make an announcement two weeks after the change takes place.

 

Originally Posted by thelion

They probably received the signage already and the pier didn't know it was not implemented yet.

 

Also...I have some potentially not so great news. According to my source implementation date is 1/12/11

 

then what exactly do you think they're going to do, since they have to pick a date to 1) announce it, and 2) make it "effective (from)"? if 1-12-11 is the rumored implementation date, what is the announcement date?

 

what if you're sailing on 1-12-11? what if it's embarkation day on 1-12-11? do those count under the new plan? old plan?

 

if 1-12-11 is the 'implementation' date, then when will they announce it?

 

In the past, they have made an announcement and said "effective today, this is the new program, policy, etc." I don't believe there are any ships departing on 1/12 which very well may be why they picked that date. Most ships don't leave on Wednesday. I just checked and no sailings depart 1/12. I bet that is why they picked that day. This way, they can say every sailing after this day is under the new program.

 

If they implemented new benefits and you were sailing on 1/14 - you would want those new benefits, wouldn't you? Same thing here. I think they are going to announce it and say effective immediately. There is no reason to delay it. And I don't think they will let people cancel because they don't like the program changes. They never really have before. This program is at their whim people can throw fits if they like, but RCI (and every line) can change it as they please with as much or little notice as they please.

[izzypooch]

As far as I can tell, Royal Caribbean has no cruises embarking on 1/12/11. Coincidence?

 

No, but there will be lots of people cruising on 1/12/11 including me. I'm one of those folks who -- under the old system -- will go up a level when I step off that ship with 10 cruise credits. So now, if 1-12-11 is the official cut-off day I will miss going from platinum to Diamond by one day!!!! Under the new (rumored) system when I step off the ship I will only 40 cruise days.:( Major disappointment because I was really looking forward to better balcony discounts.

 

I'm still hoping that maybe, just maybe, they will allow a little wiggle room for people who are actually cruising when the implementation day arrives.

[thelion]

 

No, but there will be lots of people cruising on 1/12/11 including me. I'm one of those folks who -- under the old system -- will go up a level when I step off that ship with 10 cruise credits. So now, if 1-12-11 is the official cut-off day I will miss going from platinum to Diamond by one day!!!! Under the new (rumored) system when I step off the ship I will only 40 cruise days.:( Major disappointment because I was really looking forward to better balcony discounts.

 

I'm still hoping that maybe, just maybe, they will allow a little wiggle room for people who are actually cruising when the implementation day arrives.

 

Someone hasn't been paying attention. :rolleyes:

 

When, tell me when, has RCI ever said that a policy effects ONGOING cruises? It is always "for cruises STARTING after xx/xx/xxxx. So if you are SAILING on 1/12/11 (say you embark on 1/6/11) any points earned for that SAILING would be OLD policy and count towards your grandfathering.