Why aren't you able to just "buy" points?

[LMaxwell]

You can buy points!!!! Book more cruises!!!!

I guess you didn't comprehend the point I was driving at. Why shouldn't RCI reward the heavy spenders with an additional incentive? The more money someone spends onboard the better services and features are for all of us.

[traveling1969]

You do not get one point per cruise. You get one point per night for rooms Balcony category and below. You get 2 points per night in a Junior Suite or higher.

 

Solo cruisers earn a bonus point for each scenario (so 2 points for balcony or below, 3 points for JS or higher. Some call this "double points" but that is not accurate, they are bonus points).

 

I selected $300 per point because that is what HAL charges and have to start somewhere...

 

Drinks would count towards onboard spending. Balconies obviously would not. You are buying points via onboard spending, not spending $300 directly ON a point.

You'll note I said a cruise cost of $500-1500. You won't be getting many suites at those prices;). You want a point for $300 in on-board spending when you have already received $300 in goods or services. Aint gonna happen. Now if you said give the cruiseline $300 and receive only the point in return, that would have made more sense but that aint gonna happen either. You want more points? Book more cruises!

[LMaxwell]

You'll note I said a cruise cost of $500-1500. You won't be getting many suites at those prices;). You want a point for $300 in on-board spending when you have already received $300 in goods or services. Aint gonna happen. Now if you said give the cruiseline $300 and receive only the point in return, that would have made more sense but that aint gonna happen either. You want more points? Book more cruises!

 

I think you are still not getting the point. Offering points based on onboard spending encourages further onboard spending. RCI's problem is not booking out the rooms. Their problem is getting enough revenue out of each person while onboard. Clearly onboard spending for drinks, excursions, specialty dining, etc. is working for MSC and HAL (and maybe others) otherwise they would cut the program out.

 

Not only does it encourage people to spend with RCI instead of outside vendors, but isn't it somewhat more equitable to give more points to a family of four who buy all excursions through RCI versus a couple in the same category room who may spend zilch?

 

It's not a matter of booking more cruises. That's going to happen. It is a matter of creating an incentive to spend more NOW versus later.

[traveling1969]

When I go to the casino, I receive reward points based on my spending. Does that encourage me to spend more? Not hardly! You also state:

 

"Clearly onboard spending for drinks, excursions, specialty dining, etc. is working for MSC and HAL (and maybe others) otherwise they would cut the program out."

 

I'm sure you have proof to back up that statement, eh?

[LMaxwell]

When I go to the casino, I receive reward points based on my spending. Does that encourage me to spend more? Not hardly! You also state:

 

"Clearly onboard spending for drinks, excursions, specialty dining, etc. is working for MSC and HAL (and maybe others) otherwise they would cut the program out."

 

I'm sure you have proof to back up that statement, eh?

 

If the casino stopped giving you rewards you MIGHT be inclined to spend less. It's hard to know because we don't have a control environment with which to test that.

 

As to the second part, stop being absurd. Obviously a business is not going to have policies that are detrimental to their bottom line. Also obviously I do not have the financial data for those cruise lines. You're really splitting hairs and coming off looking preposterous.

[traveling1969]

If the casino stopped giving you rewards you MIGHT be inclined to spend less. It's hard to know because we don't have a control environment with which to test that.

 

As to the second part, stop being absurd. Obviously a business is not going to have policies that are detrimental to their bottom line. Also obviously I do not have the financial data for those cruise lines. You're really splitting hairs and coming off looking preposterous.

I'll leave it to others as to who is coming off looking preposterous.:rolleyes:

[LMaxwell]

I'll leave it to others as to who is coming off looking preposterous.:rolleyes:

 

Obviously it's you, coming here asking me to provide financial data for multi-national corporations to substantiate the efficacy of programs that they obviously manage to run to their own success and of which I clearly am not affiliated. It's a dumb question to throw my way in an attempt to "monkey wrench" my suggestion. You are applying your OWN personal value system. As such, you can really only answer for yourself, and not for others.

 

This is a totally rational argument to make to RCI to look at ways to increase onboard spending which, if you read any industry news whatsoever, all the big wigs at RCI in recent interviews seem to keep hammering on driving onboard revenue per person as being their goals and current issue to work through. If you have better ideas for increasing revenue per person let's hear them, whether it includes a reward inducement or not. I'm always open to hearing positive ideas that benefit everyone, both the company and guest. Or you can bail out now as seems to be your choice.

[BamaGuy44]

My guess is, if they did implement something like this, the point requirements for different levels would go up over time to compensate. So you would have the illusion of getting more points but wouldn't really advance levels any faster.

 

So they would get the advantage of people spending more to get points but not greatly increasing the numbers of people reaching the higher C & A levels. It seems like they are already having issues with too many D/D+ people on a given cruise and needing overflow lounges and drink vouchers.

 

This opinion is based on nothing but experience with how bean counters in large corporations think. But I'm guaranteed to be right or your money back :cool:

[NathUK]

When I go to the casino, I receive reward points based on my spending. Does that encourage me to spend more? Not hardly!

I'm not exactly how your casino spend, where you can go nowhere else at the same times are comparable to something like shore excursions where you can choose RCI's or not.

 

Perhaps there are other people out there unlike yourself, that if they did change up/spend another $100 or whatever would move up a tier in the program and would be more than happy to do so.

 

Or would buy a drinks package and drink less in port, or would buy their duty free in RCI's shop even if more expensive than on shore, if they gained tier points.

 

I honestly don't think it's a hard concept to understand.

 

I completely understand the OP's concept, why is amount of cruises worth more than $ spent (including the cruise)? I don't think it is really, and if anything cabin vs cabin the company would be better off rewarding those that add to their bottom line through onboard spend than those that don't.

 

I do get a sneaking suspicion that there are those that have the tier they want (perhaps even made the easy way with points per cruise rather than per night) that would fight tooth and nail to keep it as elite, unattainable or even harder to attain for everyone else. I'm sure for some it makes them feel really special :).

 

Quite honestly, to me the only thing that's worth anything is the balcony discount. I doubt in the longer run it would be worth increasing the amount I would spend on vacation. Would it be worth giving the money I would spend anyway to RCI rather than someone else in the above-mentioned areas (drinks package, duty free, excursions etc), quite possibly.

Edited June 11, 2014 by NathUK

[Ocean Boy]

But it DOES provide an incentive for people to spend on specialty dining. It provides an incentive for people to book excursions through the cruise line instead of going private. It may encourage people to spend another $50 because they are close to a line for getting that next point....

 

I'm not worried about Diamond Plus folks. Once most people hit that level there's no sense aggressively chasing points. The delta T to Pinnacle is enormous. Up until D+ though you have people who are solely focused on acquiring points and they WILL spend onboard to get them.

 

No change in plan or new plan makes sense for 100% of people. But from a business sense anything that brings in revenue now is better than something with no guarantee or promise of ever having to provide a benefit.

 

You might be right but after all that point chasing wouldn't be a kick for the program to get scrapped. And what would happen if RCI did ever terminate the program. How would they respond to people who spent money just to buy points that are now worthless? I buy ship excursions when it makes sense for me to do so. I would buy dinner in a specialty restaurant ( I never have) if I want to try it. I would do neither just to get some more points.

 

As to your last point the only thing that is a guarantee to RCI of some income is to get a cabin sold. The rest after that is all up in the air.

Edited June 11, 2014 by Ocean Boy

[Ocean Boy]

My guess is, if they did implement something like this, the point requirements for different levels would go up over time to compensate. So you would have the illusion of getting more points but wouldn't really advance levels any faster.

So they would get the advantage of people spending more to get points but not greatly increasing the numbers of people reaching the higher C & A levels. It seems like they are already having issues with too many D/D+ people on a given cruise and needing overflow lounges and drink vouchers.

 

This opinion is based on nothing but experience with how bean counters in large corporations think. But I'm guaranteed to be right or your money back :cool:

 

Either that or they would just create more levels with very little additional benefit to make folks feel like they are accomplishing something. The invention of the Emerald level is a perfect example. All that really achieved was delaying people's arrival at diamond.

[FLACRUISER99]

You're certainly entitled to your opinion, but for all the money you've spent on RCI ships you wouldn't want additional points for your spending? :confused:

No I'm happy with the present program. Every time so far that RCI has changed it someone looses out.

[traveling1969]

What's preposterous is making the statement "Clearly onboard spending for drinks, excursions, specialty dining, etc. is working for MSC and HAL (and maybe others) otherwise they would cut the program out." to buttress your argument and expecting others to believe it based on your say so.

 

Your only proof that their programs work is that they haven't yet "cut them out". There's a term for that sort of spurious logic but it escapes me at the moment. Using that logic and referencing your other recent thread, then it must also be true that RCI's dress code is working or otherwise they would cut the code out.:rolleyes:

[viper17d]

First, let me say that the idea - in general - is a good idea. Driving up onboard spending is a key goal of RCI's and the cruise industry in general.

 

However, we really need to break down the financial justification and implication of implementing such a system (just because other cruise lines do it, doesn't mean it would work for RCI - or that it's working for them).

 

The average couple is going to spend $500-$1,000 on board at various events, activities, drinks, etc. This is a given, so we need to look at the ACTUAL additional spending this program might bring. Because the low-end for most people on a 7-night trip is $500, you really can't give out a point for less than that (you'd essentially be destroying the point/night system currently in place). So this is a bare minimum - and I agree, it is a lot to the consumer.

 

From RCI's perspective, you ask, how can I turn that $500-$1,000 to $1,000-$1,500. Will giving an ONE incremental cruise point cause MOST cruisers to spend $500 on top of what they would already spend - I think the answer is a resounding no. One extra point isn't going to make or break anyone - even the point chasers. The people who spend $2,000+ already (because they love pictures, food, drinks, and bingo - a LOT of bingo) aren't going to be moved by the extra points - they might not even notice it. If you have people benefiting from a program without realizing it, it is a bad program. You can't give things away to people who could care less - that is bad business sense.

 

I will say that 50% of the people who responded on this post are probably already Emerald or higher - and let's be honest, wanting to maintain your higher, elite status over everyone else is a natural feeling! I would too! That's what capitalism (and loyalty/reward systems) support!

 

But let's be clear, the whole "too many point chasers diluting my loyalty status" isn't why this wouldn't work. It just doesn't make good business sense. I like the idea, I like the strategic goal, but I don't think the two are aligned in this case - one wouldn't result in the other.

 

Plus, RCI is taking the much more rewarding tact of offering more to get more. Give you premium experiences that you would pay extra for. This brings them more money and builds their brand. While I dislike certain things as a consumer, I can't dislike the business strategy.

[TC1957]

What the OP is proposing would be targeted to someone like us. We book our cruise and spend na-da on the ship. We do not dine at the speciality places, do not use the spa, do not drink, etc. Now, if we were going to be a point, maybe two, from the next C&A level after the cruise we are on we would be encouraged (and probably would) book excursions through RCI or spend money on the ship.

 

In that case, the ARE seeing additional revenue. However, I doubt it would be enough. My guess is if the decided to explore this as an option, they would determine how much the average passenger spends with RCI (excursions included) while on the ship and award points based on spending over that average.

[dadroy]

Setting this type of thing up would be fun.

 

How would they calculate spending?

1. If I use my room key in the casino for $1,000, do I get 3 points? Don't count my "casino spending"? I am not going to be happy. HAL does not count casino spending for their loyalty point system:(

 

2. How do they treat OBC's. If they are given by RCCL, would it make sense to give additional points for spending the cruise lines own money?

 

3. A family of four on a 7 day cruise would pay over $300 in tips total. All charged to Dad's account. Does dad get the point or does the program not count the service charge. Is the $300 required to be spent by the person or will they be allowed to have all the additional points charged to one person. This family could easily spend $2,100 on shore excursions on an Alaska cruise. So give dad the 7 points here as well?

 

Trying to sort this stuff out would be very interesting to see.

[TC1957]

Setting this type of thing up would be fun.

 

How would they calculate spending?

1. If I use my room key in the casino for $1,000, do I get 3 points? Don't count my "casino spending"? I am not going to be happy. HAL does not count casino spending for their loyalty point system:(

 

2. How do they treat OBC's. If they are given by RCCL, would it make sense to give additional points for spending the cruise lines own money?

 

3. A family of four on a 7 day cruise would pay over $300 in tips total. All charged to Dad's account. Does dad get the point or does the program not count the service charge. Is the $300 required to be spent by the person or will they be allowed to have all the additional points charged to one person. This family could easily spend $2,100 on shore excursions on an Alaska cruise. So give dad the 7 points here as well?

 

Trying to sort this stuff out would be very interesting to see.

 

For point 1 - I can understand them not counting casino spending. While it would be easy to track how much you lose (scan your Sea Pass when cashing in chips) they would need to deduct your winnings from what you spend to be fair.

 

For point 2 -In their system it shows what you spend. It is easy to deduct OBC from the total.

 

For point 3 - Do not include tips...simple enough.

 

Like I said, to make this an incentive to spend more with the line (and not give points for spending that already occurs) they should make the award for amounts over the average spending per person. If the average amount spent is $500 for a 7-day cruise then you would start the calculation after the cabin spent more than that (for a couple...$1,000, for a family of 4...$2,000). As for who gets the points, whoever's name is on the credit card...period, end of discussion.

 

With a computer it is easy to just look at the total spending on the cabins account, subtract gratuities and subtract the benchmark. Then from that total, calculate the award for every $300 spent (to use the OP's suggested amount). The one MAJOR snag I can see is that we would have to rely on the RCI IT team to develop a simple program to do the calculation. :eek: I can see that taking 2, maybe 3, years and when it is rolled out making the ACA web site look like it operated as smoothly as NORAD.

[niksmom630]

Other cruise lines allow you points based not only on sailings/nights sailed but also award points at certain onboard spending levels. There are always posts of people looking how to get a few points here or there, why not encourage onboard spending by giving out a point for, say, every $300 spent onboard? I'm not (necessarily) a points chaser but I know people that are and would probably jump at the opportunity and gladly spend money for a point or two.

 

Now that RCI is going to lounges PLUS drink vouchers on seapass cards I don't see that it would cause massive crowding of lounges.

 

 

174 points here....wish there was another way to "earn" just one point!

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums mobile app

[time4u2go]

What's preposterous is making the statement "Clearly onboard spending for drinks, excursions, specialty dining, etc. is working for MSC and HAL (and maybe others) otherwise they would cut the program out." to buttress your argument and expecting others to believe it based on your say so.

 

Your only proof that their programs work is that they haven't yet "cut them out". There's a term for that sort of spurious logic but it escapes me at the moment. Using that logic and referencing your other recent thread, then it must also be true that RCI's dress code is working or otherwise they would cut the code out.:rolleyes:

I don't think it's preposterous at all. Businesses try new things all the time. Some of those things work, some don't. The businesses keep the ones that work, and eliminate the ones that don't. Do you believe otherwise?

[Big_G]

I'm thinking you're gonna' get a rise out of the people who were predicting the death knell of the loyalty program because Royal was "allowing too many to reach Diamond and up too fast." Remember the expulsion of Diamonds from the Concierge Lounge. Remember the complaints about Diamonds in December? Some are still predicting the expulsion of the Diamonds from the Diamond Lounge. Personally I wouldn't care until they went after my balcony discount.

 

As for chasing points, nothing was funnier than the posters who as a couple were planning to book two cabins solo when the single supplement was suspended and double points were given for solos. :rolleyes:

[dadroy]

I wish you luck on this, but I see too many people complaining about anything you could come up with. If you knock off casino spending, those that spend alot in the casino will complain. If you don't, people can put thousands on the account and cash it right back out, thus giving extra points.

 

For those who do not drink, how the heck could they get to your $1,000 level? Seriously, that is why HAL sets it at $300.

 

Since related people living at the same address get the same loyalty status, I could take a cruise with two friends, which I have done. Pay for their Alcohol packages and boost my point count.

 

You have strange people like me. My wife and I have separate everything when it comes to money. This way she does not need to ask me before spending money. For example, on a recent HAL cruise she spent $4,500 on what she calls art. It is really ugly as hell. With HAL she got an additional 15 cruise points on a 7 day cruise. In this scenario, she was charged right away. If for whatever reason she returns the art, or the art company cannot deliver and they cancel the order, what happens to the points?

 

You mentioned in an earlier post to not count tips as part of the spending. Ok, yes programming can handle that, if you and I do it. Royal cannot get their booking site to work right and we are going to have their programers write the program to handle this correctly? My Lord, getting them to knock off the 15% tip added to each drink would be a pain. Unless you say, only knock off the service charge. Now you need to explain why one tip is different than another tip.

 

How would you handle OBC? Would Royal give me extra points for spending money they gave me for price reductions? That makes no sense!

 

So, yes, this may be nice. The same as just flat out selling points like the airlines do. Royal could just sell a cruise night point for xxxx, and I could buy my way to a higher level. If the price were right, I might use it.

 

Good luck with this!

[Trainman-2]

Why not just use the current system?

 

You buy 7 points and get a free cruise with them! :D

[Ocean_Waves]

Why spend $300 and get 1 point per $300 spent on a cruise, when I can go find a cheap cruise for around $600 or less per person and receive 1 cruise per day per person for what it would cost me to get 2 points for the $600 cost for a new cruise???

[NathUK]

Why not just use the current system?

 

You buy 7 points and get a free cruise with them! :D

Absolutely fine if you're retired & live in Florida.

 

Some of us have a limited amount of vacation days a year due to work and have airfares to contend with.

[LMaxwell]

Why spend $300 and get 1 point per $300 spent on a cruise, when I can go find a cheap cruise for around $600 or less per person and receive 1 cruise per day per person for what it would cost me to get 2 points for the $600 cost for a new cruise???

 

Time and money. Airfare, time off, taxes, gratuities, insurance, spending...it all adds up.

 

Some people described it well, they may be more inclined to take RCI excursions if "points" existed for them.

 

Would someone spend $300 booking private excursions or take basically the same exact thing from RCI for $350 (assuming it costs slightly more on board than one could do private) but get the cruise point?

 

I wouldn't put points up for sale necessarily, I'd make it something like

Onboard Spending: Does NOT include the following

- Use of OBC

- Casino spending (heavy casino spenders get rated and their own set of perks at discretion of casino management)

- Gratuities

 

You can have it be for every $300 spent on drinks, dining, excursions, spa or purchases from onboard shops. It doesn't have to be a total give away, and the point was never to put a point up for sale as a thing to purchase, but a thing to be rewarded for purchasing a lot of services.

 

Of course I like Trainman's idea, buy 7 points, get a free cruise, but like i said, not practical for many people unfortunately. But if that system works for him more power to him and I hope it works for him for many, many more years to come.

 

Some people I know just love chasing points. Not just Royal Caribbean. They play within the rules, but any way they can get rewards for spend they look to do and sometimes spend more than planned to get them. It's just how some people are wired up.