Is Royal transitioning concierge lounge into a suites only lounge?

[PompeySailor]

Hey Graham,

 

I think whatever way they decide to go (if they do decide to change) there will always be inequities in the system.

 

Using the system that Celebrity has someone sailing in a JS on Vision at $800pp would get 35 points for a 7 day cruise while someone staying in an inside on Quantum, Anthem or Oasis class could be paying more than that pp for the same 7 day cruise and only getting 14 points.

 

If all the ships had the same pricing structure then it would work great but currently there are huge differences in prices between the classes of ships.

 

I'm for keeping the current system, treating everyone equally and then rewarding those that are spending more on the suites with the extra perks or moving entirely to a points per $ spent system which would certainly be beneficial to those of us that travel at peak times of the year.

 

Hey Ken

Also happy with current system ourselves, IMO there will never be a program that pleases all.

 

Sure there will be future changes where some benefit more than others, others will also lose benefits.

We will roll with those, as and when they arrive.

 

Whatever happens as long as those who have gained a particular level are honored (grandfathered) in, then all good.

 

Like the idea of peak time points being better:)

 

Happy Days!

Graham

[Fat Paul]

I am diamond level. I have always sailed in at least a Jr. Suite. I now try to sail in a grand suite or owners suite. If I spend five or six times what someone who books in an inside cabin, should if not receive an upgraded experience? If Royal Caribbean doesn't provide an upgraded experience to those who spend much more money why should I not sail a premium cruise line?

[PompeySailor]

I am diamond level. I have always sailed in at least a Jr. Suite. I now try to sail in a grand suite or owners suite. If I spend five or six times what someone who books in an inside cabin, should if not receive an upgraded experience? If Royal Caribbean doesn't provide an upgraded experience to those who spend much more money why should I not sail a premium cruise line?

 

In the same boat as yourself Paul (no pun intended).

Agreed pay the $$$ you get the extras.

We got to D+ in 9years through staying in Suites and longer cruises with sailing with RC over the past 12 years.

We will continue to stay in Suites, you know why, because we can:)

Will I cruise 10-20 3-4 nighters a year, NO!, DD is still in school.

 

Does it bother me if someone sails 10-20 times a year in an interior cabin paying 3-4 times less than me on 3-4 night cruises and is D+.

I really don't care:cool:

Everyone's situations and circumstances are unique, and how we all get from A to B is going to be a different path for all.

 

Happy Days!

Graham

[daljettjockie]

I am diamond level. I have always sailed in at least a Jr. Suite. I now try to sail in a grand suite or owners suite. If I spend five or six times what someone who books in an inside cabin, should if not receive an upgraded experience? If Royal Caribbean doesn't provide an upgraded experience to those who spend much more money why should I not sail a premium cruise line?

 

Agree totally! We book JS or GS exclusively. On our past cruise in a GS we couldn't find a seat in the Diamond Lounge because of so many fellow Diamond cruisers booked in inside cabins. RCCL needs to base their loyalty rewards based on monies spent especially considering that as the program continues to mature and more and more people are building status based on less expensive accommodations.

 

On our last cruise it seemed as if some of the members in the Diamond Lounge were camped out in there the entire cruise.

Edited October 12, 2014 by daljettjockie

[Ourusualbeach]

Agree totally! We book JS or GS exclusively. On our past cruise in a GS we couldn't find a seat in the Diamond Lounge because of so many fellow Diamond cruisers booked in inside cabins. RCCL needs to base their loyalty rewards based on monies spent especially considering that as the program continues to mature and more and more people are building status based on less expensive accommodations.

 

On our last cruise it seemed as if some of the members in the Diamond Lounge were camped out in there the entire cruise.

 

You went to the Diamond lounge where the price you paid is of no relevance. It is solely based on the number of nights sailed.

 

You were sailing in a GS so you had the option of going to the CL lounge where the Diamonds did not have access to and was geared towards those that paid for the suite as well as the highest tiers of the C&A program.

 

I don't think that it would be fair to take away lounge privileges from all Diamond members just because they did not spend as much as you.

[daljettjockie]

It's just like when I book with the Hotels. I get my points based on how much I spend. It is simple. RCCL needs to do the same.

[Ourusualbeach]

And why can't they both co-exist?

[Fat Paul]

We always book the cabin that appeals to us. I am always amused by people wanting a visit from the "upgrade fairy" . Our "upgrade fairy" lives in our wallet.

[ShipRiders]

It's just like when I book with the Hotels. I get my points based on how much I spend. It is simple. RCCL needs to do the same.

 

Ok so it doesn't matter if I distribute it among 3,5 ,7 or 14+ night cruises.

I might spend a $1000 on a 7 night cruise only because I have never been to any of the ports. I might spend $300 on a 14 night cruise because I have been to most of the ports and have spend many a dollar there previously that is not counted this time.

Where do the suites or insides fit into this?

So is this a fair system?

I'm lost.

Edited October 12, 2014 by ShipRiders

[daljettjockie]

I understand some of the previous posts, but I think the program needs to be modified going forward as more and more people continue to build points. Grandfather everyone who is already Diamond, but base future loyalty based on monies spent. I only say that because more and more people are cruising and it is going to reach a point where the lounges are going to be so over saturated that no one can get in. Most of these programs were designed when the thought of having 20 or more cruises was unheard of. Not anymore. Like it or not, the program is going to have to evolve. Points are going to have to be awarded on how much you spend.

[daljettjockie]

A case in point is like when I stay at the Bellagio in Vegas. My perks are not based on how many nights that I stay, or what type of room I book, it is based on how much I spend in the Hotel/Casino. The cruise lines are going to have to go this type of loyalty programs as well.

 

Credit Cards are the same. My rewards are based on what I spend.

Edited October 12, 2014 by daljettjockie

[LMaxwell]

I've never sailed in a suite. One could argue I got to Diamond the hard way, more cruises is more overall money spent by me than someone in a JS doing half the number of cruises for the same status. CA is a loyalty reward program, not a spending reward program. I have no issues with suite guests having the concierge lounge being an amenity they have paid for. Too many variables in play to make a loyalty program based on money spent.

[PompeySailor]

A case in point is like when I stay at the Bellagio in Vegas. My perks are not based on how many nights that I stay, or what type of room I book, it is based on how much I spend in the Hotel/Casino. The cruise lines are going to have to go this type of loyalty programs as well.

 

Credit Cards are the same. My rewards are based on what I spend.

 

The Casino Royale program is a different animal.

That reward program is being revamped for March 2015 to be like land based casinos:)

So they are going that route with RC casinos.

[daljettjockie]

I've never sailed in a suite. One could argue I got to Diamond the hard way, more cruises is more overall money spent by me than someone in a JS doing half the number of cruises for the same status. CA is a loyalty reward program, not a spending reward program. I have no issues with suite guests having the concierge lounge being an amenity they have paid for. Too many variables in play to make a loyalty program based on money spent.

 

So then you should have no problem basing the rewards on money spent because it sounds like you are a loyal customer who is spending money. So why not base it on money spent? You most likely have spent more than the JS guests you describe. Don't award double points for suites. Base it solely on money spent with RCCL, including the sign and sail accounts.

Edited October 12, 2014 by daljettjockie

[PompeySailor]

I've never sailed in a suite. One could argue I got to Diamond the hard way, more cruises is more overall money spent by me than someone in a JS doing half the number of cruises for the same status. CA is a loyalty reward program, not a spending reward program. I have no issues with suite guests having the concierge lounge being an amenity they have paid for. Too many variables in play to make a loyalty program based on money spent.

 

 

Sorry do not agree with your statement

If I do 1/2 the cruises you do in a JS or higher and spend double what you do in a JS or higher

My math teacher taught me that we are equal on spend

And equal on points.

 

Happy Days!

Graham

[ShipRiders]

A case in point is like when I stay at the Bellagio in Vegas. My perks are not based on how many nights that I stay, or what type of room I book, it is based on how much I spend in the Hotel/Casino. The cruise lines are going to have to go this type of loyalty programs as well.

 

Credit Cards are the same. My rewards are based on what I spend.

 

You are "comped" for money previously spent?

 

d+....Pinnacles are being "comped" on what they have previously spent. Doesn't take a CFO to figure that one out.

Edited October 12, 2014 by ShipRiders

[LMaxwell]

Sorry do not agree with your statement

If I do 1/2 the cruises you do in a JS or higher and spend double what you do in a JS or higher

My math teacher taught me that we are equal on spend

And equal on points.

 

Happy Days!

Graham

A JS doesn't cost double of a balcony room usually. And though suites pay higher gratuity rate my double amount of cruising has subsidized the crew payment more. If a JS were always more than double cost of rooms that earned single points you'd have a case.

[PompeySailor]

A JS doesn't cost double of a balcony room usually. And though suites pay higher gratuity rate my double amount of cruising has subsidized the crew payment more. If a JS were always more than double cost of rooms that earned single points you'd have a case.

 

 

Agreed on this statement.

[LMaxwell]

So then you should have no problem basing the rewards on money spent because it sounds like you are a loyal customer who is spending money. So why not base it on money spent? You most likely have spent more than the JS guests you describe. Don't award double points for suites. Base it solely on money spent with RCCL/

I think nights sailed is a fine metric actually. It most levels playing field. Also fine with high prices full suites pay to have additional amenities for their time on board. If anything I'd say JS shouldn't get double points, they aren't full suites and don't have full suite privileges, or RCI should offer bonus points for extra on board spending like some lines already do, or both.

[PompeySailor]

I think nights sailed is a fine metric actually. It most levels playing field. Also fine with high prices full suites pay to have additional amenities for their time on board. If anything I'd say JS shouldn't get double points, they aren't full suites and don't have full suite privileges, or RCI should offer bonus points for extra on board spending like some lines already do, or both.

 

Would be a viable option.

This would then only favor the retired who can cruise whenever they want

With referring to nights sailed.

For those who only have the option of 1,2 3 cruises a year, they would not be rewarded.

The whole demographic of cruising would revert back to how it was 20 years ago

Full circle:D

[ShipRiders]

I think nights sailed is a fine metric actually. It most levels playing field. Also fine with high prices full suites pay to have additional amenities for their time on board. If anything I'd say JS shouldn't get double points, they aren't full suites and don't have full suite privileges, or RCI should offer bonus points for extra on board spending like some lines already do, or both.

 

So what is the $ amount for extra on board spending? How may Tshirts......keychains can a person buy?. OR are you only talking casino money which is a whole different animal

[daljettjockie]

I think nights sailed is a fine metric actually. It most levels playing field. Also fine with high prices full suites pay to have additional amenities for their time on board. If anything I'd say JS shouldn't get double points, they aren't full suites and don't have full suite privileges, or RCI should offer bonus points for extra on board spending like some lines already do, or both.

 

No. Money spent. That is the only fair way. Total money spent over your entire cruise history with RCCL.

Edited October 12, 2014 by daljettjockie

[ShipRiders]

No. Money spent. That is the only fair way. Total money spent over your entire cruise history with RCCL.

 

This nails it right on! Thank you!:D

 

If you ever want to scare yourself.......add up the amount of money you have spend on cruises........:eek::eek::eek:

I know I never will do that, even though I know it is a huge amount.

[PompeySailor]

This nails it right on! Thank you!:D

 

If you ever want to scare yourself.......add up the amount of money you have spend on cruises........:eek::eek::eek:

I know I never will do that, even though I know it is a huge amount.

 

:eek: agreed!

Would dread how many 000,s

But money well spent with great memories.

Happy Days!

[LMaxwell]

No. Money spent. That is the only fair way. Total money spent over your entire cruise history with RCCL.

It's a loyalty program, not a credit card reward program. Loyalty is based on usage, not just spend, like a credit card reward. Someone who sails 1x every other year for 20 years with Royal has shown more loyalty than a one timer who stays in the top tier cabin. Thankfully RCI recognizes the first persons loyalty and the second persons spend. If the program changed to total lifetime spend I think you'd see people bail out on ever reaching the higher levels.

 

A spending rewards program isn't the same as a loyalty program. I don't spend time in Vegas so can't really speak to what works in their industry.