NEW Suite Upgrades....

[skandls]

I am in agreement with Steveru. We have been on many Royal cruises - and been loyal due to the nice perks and we enjoy the beautiful ships and good entertainment. We were dumped from the CL as mere diamonds. Took some cruises and made it to D+. While the Diamond Lounge is nicer on the Freedom class the redos on the Radiance class have made the CL much nice and more fun (we like to sit at the bar). The CL on the Oasis class used to offer breakfast and lunch. Even the continental breakfast had nicer offerings (strawberries on the pastries). The happy hour snacks were replenished and we did not have to take the last celery stick or chocolate strawberry.

 

The rename of the concierge lounge to the suite lounge has the same effect banning my husband and I from the the concierge lounge Again. I still remember buying drinks at 25% discount as the wine at the happy hour event was undrinkable.

 

For all of you who say the lounges are similar (not on all ships) - a probable change coming to the entire fleet.

[setsail]

 

The rename of the concierge lounge to the suite lounge has the same effect banning my husband and I from the the concierge lounge Again. I still remember buying drinks at 25% discount as the wine at the happy hour event was undrinkable.

 

For all of you who say the lounges are similar (not on all ships) - a probable change coming to the entire fleet.

 

The CL was not renamed to the suite lounge, it has been renamed the diamond club and still welcomes all who are D and up so no one is banned. The suite lounge is a new concept and never existed before and at present is only on O class

Edited June 15, 2015 by setsail

[steveru621]

If suite guests deserve all of their perks then should they not be able to access the CL when they want? If it is full then they can't enjoy their perk. Aside from making the lounge bigger, the only other option is to split out the groups from the room. Maybe they will make a new lounge for only the Diamonds and up....Wait that already exists. Maybe they will let the suites in the DL. I can't see that happening without a bigger uproar from the loyals.

 

You have every right to feel betrayed but really what have you lost? Some meals, but you were just looking for more drinks. You would already have those in the DL.

 

It's not a perfect system, but if both rooms aren't balanced out then neither will be enjoyable for anyone.

 

All very good points, and a well reasoned post. The rooms are balanced today. Both are overflowing.

 

The new Diamond Clubs are already standing room only during cocktail hours without the D+ passengers. Even I know what will happen. That does not mean I must resign myself to the outcome.

 

It's been stated many times on CC, the regular Diamonds will end up on the outs. RCI created their own problem where two major loyalty groups will not be happy. I suspect that is why these conversations have been active for over a year. RCI needs to make their final decisions.

 

Only I can make the determination as to what I have 'lost'.

[suzyluvs2cruise]

The new Radiance class CL is far-and-away better than the Diamond Club. There is an outside seating area and a bar. The variety of drinks are greater than what is available in the DL and certainly better than the arbitrary restrictions using vouchers. I remember the resigned look you get from bar service when you use the vouchers.

 

Yes....on Radiance class the CL has a bar and outdoor seating but the drinks offered should be the same in the CL, DL or using your vouchers. We recently spent 33 nights on Radiance and I can confirm that the drinks offered were those made with the Liquors shown below.

 

[steveru621]

Yes....on Radiance class the CL has a bar and outdoor seating but the drinks offered should be the same in the CL, DL or using your vouchers. We recently spent 33 nights on Radiance and I can confirm that the drinks offered were those made with the Liquors shown below.

 

 

On our 15 night Radiance transatlantic the spirits were basically the same. Hennessy Cognac, Stoli were different and the wines offered were not the same. But someone who has cruised as much as you knows things vary on RCI.

 

The biggest difference were the mixers and the complexity of the drinks. For instance, My DW was able to get a lemon drop martini that was refused in the DL. We spent a lot of time at the CL bar talking with new friends. We were told more than once by our new friends, that they were surprised that they were able to get drinks that were refused in the DL.

 

Having the bar with like minded passengers was just as important to me as the types of drinks.

 

Frankly, I give up. I'm tired of defending what is obviously a position few agree with. This will be my last post on the subject.

[Firefighterhoop]

Finlandia vodka is being phased out fleet wide. It will now be replaced with Stoli or Smirnoff (Depending on the ship). On Liberty a few months ago it was Smirnoff, on Serenade it was Stoli.

 

It will be frustrating to lose the Concierge Lounge, but, remember when the Concierge Lounges were started they were for Suites, and they started letting Diamond members in.

 

I have had things in the past that were offered in the Concierge that Weren't in the DL, or things offered in the DL that weren't in the CL. For things that aren't on the list, but offered extra, I just consider that a bonus!

[sauvichick]

Finlandia vodka is being phased out fleet wide. It will now be replaced with Stoli or Smirnoff (Depending on the ship). On Liberty a few months ago it was Smirnoff, on Serenade it was Stoli.

 

Once again the lack of consistency throughout Royal is evident.

[cruisegirl1]

On our 15 night Radiance transatlantic the spirits were basically the same. Hennessy Cognac, Stoli were different and the wines offered were not the same. But someone who has cruised as much as you knows things vary on RCI.

 

[he biggest difference were the mixers and the complexity of the drinks. For instance, My DW was able to get a lemon drop martini that was refused in the DL. We spent a lot of time at the CL bar talking with new friends. We were told more than once by our new friends, that they were surprised that they were able to get drinks that were refused in the DL.

 

Having the bar with like minded passengers was just as important to me as the types of drinks.

 

Frankly, I give up. I'm tired of defending what is obviously a position few agree with. This will be my last post on the subject.

 

We have found NO consistency on the same ship, let alone across the fleet. On a recent Rhapsody, I was served a lemon drop two nights in the CL, and then it was refused. (never went to the DL). We generally had our cocktail in the Schooner Bar and the lemon drop was no issue. A bloody mary was hit or miss, even on the same ship. We tip every round (always have and always will) in the CL and at any bar, so that was not the issue.

 

We sometimes enjoy a few minutes in the lounge to catch up with a few acquaintances, although generally we just have a drink at a bar, the casino or in the theater.

 

Except when traveling with newer cruisers who book a suite, I won't mind which lounge I am assigned. Because suite passengers don't have vouchers, and If we are denied the CL ( or renamed suite lounge), that will change the dynamics of the evening cocktail with family or friends. If we are traveling alone, it makes no difference to us as we prefer to use a voucher anyway.

 

I hope all privileges are not removed as I like that morning coffee.

 

 

 

M

Edited June 15, 2015 by cruisegirl1

[LMaxwell]

 

Frankly, I give up. I'm tired of defending what is obviously a position few agree with. This will be my last post on the subject.

 

As someone who is shot down quite often for taking principled stands and sometimes avoiding feel good group mentality, I certainly can understand your rationale and thoughts on this subject. The company said if you spend enough time and money, we will reward you with XYZ. Now the trend is to say, well, we've given away a lot of XYZ already. We're going to provide X and Y now, no more Z.

 

The loyalty program has made choose Royal more so over other brands because I look at the perks and they do make difference in our enjoyment and I can put a monetary value to some of those perks as well.

 

Lately I've seen the writing on the wall, and the time and money it will take to get from Diamond to Diamond Plus is significant; the perks at this stage are not significantly better and there's plenty of evidence to suggest they may not be even as good as what I have as a Diamond today.

 

So I don't look at is as an investment. I look at is as if I choose RCI I currently get this set of perks, and I book elsewhere I get whatever perks they are offering or a TA will give me, and decide which I value.

 

I can certainly appreciate your feelings and rationale, but let me just say my folks who are D+ (no suites, did it over 20 years) tried Princess and got tons of OBC (all combinable) and new cruise experience that they now really enjoy as RCI was getting "tired" for them. We are branching out too as we are getting a bit bored and the perks value didn't outweight the offerings of others.

 

We'll still sail Royal, but I am going to guess closer to 1/3 or 1/2 as much. Less if they don't start coming up with new itineraries out of Florida.

[Paulette3028]

As someone who is shot down quite often for taking principled stands and sometimes avoiding feel good group mentality, I certainly can understand your rationale and thoughts on this subject. The company said if you spend enough time and money, we will reward you with XYZ. Now the trend is to say, well, we've given away a lot of XYZ already. We're going to provide X and Y now, no more Z.

 

The loyalty program has made choose Royal more so over other brands because I look at the perks and they do make difference in our enjoyment and I can put a monetary value to some of those perks as well.

 

Lately I've seen the writing on the wall, and the time and money it will take to get from Diamond to Diamond Plus is significant; the perks at this stage are not significantly better and there's plenty of evidence to suggest they may not be even as good as what I have as a Diamond today.

 

So I don't look at is as an investment. I look at is as if I choose RCI I currently get this set of perks, and I book elsewhere I get whatever perks they are offering or a TA will give me, and decide which I value.

 

I can certainly appreciate your feelings and rationale, but let me just say my folks who are D+ (no suites, did it over 20 years) tried Princess and got tons of OBC (all combinable) and new cruise experience that they now really enjoy as RCI was getting "tired" for them. We are branching out too as we are getting a bit bored and the perks value didn't outweight the offerings of others.

 

We'll still sail Royal, but I am going to guess closer to 1/3 or 1/2 as much. Less if they don't start coming up with new itineraries out of Florida.

 

Everyone cruises on a specific line for a reason. I choose Royal because I enjoy cruising on their ships and find a price that is good for us....and as we have moved up the CAS levels it has just given us a little more.

 

But we don't cruise because we are climbing up a ladder to the next 'reward plateau'. Those perks come and the ones that are of value to me, especially the balcony discount are nice. But a company is not required to give you anything.....and a company can change their program when they choose to....and you can choose where to spend your vacation dollars. If the program doesn't work for someone any longer fine.

 

What is ridiculous (to me) is the feelings of entitlement and disappointment when things change.

[LMaxwell]

But a company is not required to give you anything.....and a company can change their program when they choose to....and you can choose where to spend your vacation dollars. If the program doesn't work for someone any longer fine.

 

You are absolutely 100% correct. They aren't required to give anyone anything. But they have chosen to. It's not really loyalty or rewards, it's marketing. Offer this, get people to spend more. I think most people recognize this. And as with any marketing promotion, it can last 1 week, it can last 10 years, but it is always subject to change and need not be offered at all.

 

What is ridiculous (to me) is the feelings of entitlement and disappointment when things change.

 

I don't think feeling disappointed is ridiculous. Something someone had looked forward to is no longer available. Disappointment is a totally natural and normal emotional response. How they react to the changes determines if their response is ridiculous or not. I'm very disappointed with the Viking Crown Lounge becoming a suite exclusive space on some ships, or not being built at all on new ships. It was a signature venue I greatly enjoy. Is that a ridiculous position?

 

My next two bookings are not with RCI, and there will probably be a land vacation in there before another RCI booking as well. I still like the core product overall, though some of the schtick is getting old (because it is repetitive to me; others may feel differently). I'll sail on Royal again based on price and itinerary, but I'd be disingenuous if I said that part of it would not be based on the value of perks at the time of my booking. If those perks diminished between booking and sailing I can certainly be disappointed, as can anyone else, you as well, without it being labeled as ridiculous.

[CaribSailor]

Everyone cruises on a specific line for a reason. I choose Royal because I enjoy cruising on their ships and find a price that is good for us....and as we have moved up the CAS levels it has just given us a little more.

 

 

 

But we don't cruise because we are climbing up a ladder to the next 'reward plateau'. Those perks come and the ones that are of value to me, especially the balcony discount are nice. But a company is not required to give you anything.....and a company can change their program when they choose to....and you can choose where to spend your vacation dollars. If the program doesn't work for someone any longer fine.

 

 

 

What is ridiculous (to me) is the feelings of entitlement and disappointment when things change.

 

 

Finally someone with reason. D/D+ will always whine regardless. Reading things like "I will be more demanding" "I deserve this" "I have cruised with RC x times, how could they do this?" "These are MY benefits". Really? Get a grip people... It's a cruise line and a vacation.. Most of you act like "change" is the end of the world. Maybe royal should add a new deck to all ships (with inside cabins only of course) just for all of you and let you bathe in champagne, be waited on hand and foot, have staff to cut your toenails and give you a sponge bath, perhaps even parade you through the promenade with all the celebration you deserve so everyone on the ship knows who you are. Would that make you happy??? What a joke.... Oh by the way.. You can just book a suite and get some great perks right off the bat.. After all this is a thread about suite upgrades but as always some D/D+ member selfishly hijacks the thread to complain about their diminishing benefits.

Edited June 15, 2015 by CaribSailor

[Debde]

 

Having the bar with like minded passengers was just as important to me as the types of drinks.

 

Frankly, I give up. I'm tired of defending what is obviously a position few agree with. This will be my last post on the subject.

 

I know you said this was your last post but I'll bet you're reading!!;)

 

The program could very well change and this lounge with 'like minded passengers' is still here-the diamond club as they call it. Not to your liking, you may need to listen to you own advice in your signature:

If you are expecting perfection, don't travel, you will surely be disappointed.

 

I really don't know what is going to happen but something Is going to change. Announcement will follow. It is a suite announcement all are waiting for and nothing to do with C&A. What that change is I do not know but all have to be prepared for it not being what we hoped for. I admit-I'm looking at this as a suite guest and my feelings are-you can keep the lounge-I'd love a drink package and a CK with a concierge in there and I'd be a happy camper..:D

Many ask for consistency on all ships. If that be the case...look at some of the new changes. Is that going to be the consistency all are asking for.??

[Don Pedro]

I know you said this was your last post but I'll bet you're reading!!;)

 

The program could very well change and this lounge with 'like minded passengers' is still here-the diamond club as they call it. Not to your liking, you may need to listen to you own advice in your signature:

If you are expecting perfection, don't travel, you will surely be disappointed.

 

I really don't know what is going to happen but something Is going to change. Announcement will follow. It is a suite announcement all are waiting for and nothing to do with C&A. What that change is I do not know but all have to be prepared for it not being what we hoped for. I admit-I'm looking at this as a suite guest and my feelings are-you can keep the lounge-I'd love a drink package and a CK with a concierge in there and I'd be a happy camper..:D

Many ask for consistency on all ships. If that be the case...look at some of the new changes. Is that going to be the consistency all are asking for.??

 

I pretty much agree with your thoughts but I suspect that the anticipated suite announcement could have an impact on present C & A benefits, especially present D members. I don't know anything for sure - just a feeling.

 

As so many have stated the lounges are often standing room only and with the rapidly increasing ranks of D and D+ members it is not going to get better. When these programs began there was only a handful of ships in the fleet and the program's growth rate was finite. Now with the proliferation of ships and the popularity of cruising the program has expanded a rate probably unimaginable years ago.

 

I certainly understand and respect the feelings of my fellow loyal D and D+ members but when someone paying a $1000 + a day for the royal suite can't get the attention of the concierge or a seat in the lounge something is going to change. The folks that can afford to spend money like that probably travel in the same social circles as Fain and Goldstein.

 

When RCCL established a suite lounge with concierge service they probably would have been better off naming it the Suite Lounge instead of the Concierge Lounge. That may have reduced the feeling of entitlement expressed by so many D and D+ members.

[jules815]

It is a suite announcement all are waiting for and nothing to do with C&A. What that change is I do not know but all have to be prepared for it not being what we hoped for.

 

I've managed my expectations. I thought the new suite program would have been in effect in spring, but it doesn't look like that will happen now.

[A&L_Ont]

I've managed my expectations. I thought the new suite program would have been in effect in spring, but it doesn't look like that will happen now.

 

We have a suite booked for October 15, March and November 2016 and March of 2017. At RC speed I think that we might see the new perks for our March 2017 sailing.:rolleyes:

[CVU]

We have a suite booked for October 15, March and November 2016 and March of 2017. At RC speed I think that we might see the new perks for our March 2017 sailing.:rolleyes:

Maybe they are trying to get it right the 1st time and not be back tracking and changing their minds after they come out with an announcement.:rolleyes::D

[Don Pedro]

Maybe they are trying to get it right the 1st time and not be back tracking and changing their minds after they come out with an announcement.:rolleyes::D

 

That would be wonderful! Wonder what the odds are of them succeeding? Also wonder if the PC members will continue to enjoy the suite benefits.

[A&L_Ont]

Maybe they are trying to get it right the 1st time and not be back tracking and changing their minds after they come out with an announcement.:rolleyes::D

 

Now that was funny. :) As a D+ suite cruiser it doesn't change much for me personally. When they make an announcement only to prolcim that they will make another one later, it is disappointing.

[John&LaLa]

We have a suite booked for October 15, March and November 2016 and March of 2017. At RC speed I think that we might see the new perks for our March 2017 sailing.:rolleyes:

 

We have suites in October of 16 and April of 17. If they up the perks that's cool :cool:, but if not, so be it.

[Debde]

We have a suite booked for October 15, March and November 2016 and March of 2017. At RC speed I think that we might see the new perks for our March 2017 sailing.:rolleyes:

 

LOL-I have 1/11/16 booked and hope to at least have some sort of an idea and if not and my December NCL goes well, they snoozed, they may loose!! No reason it has to take 6 months to at least confirm something!! The announcement was a few months ago correct?? I think the carrot will have been dangled long enough if we're into 2016 with no new amenities or at least a real official announcement with real information!!

[A&L_Ont]

We have suites in October of 16 and April of 17. If they up the perks that's cool :cool:, but if not, so be it.

 

Pretty much along my lines of thinking too.

 

However, if another cruise line started to add flowriders RC might just lose our family of three. Did you hear that other cruise line? Come on, I know you are out there and hopefully listening. :D

[John&LaLa]

Pretty much along my lines of thinking too.

 

However, if another cruise line started to add flowriders RC might just lose our family of three. Did you hear that other cruise line? Come on, I know you are out there and hopefully listening. :D

 

I wonder if they have a licencing agreement

[A&L_Ont]

I wonder if they have a licencing agreement

 

I have wondered that for a while, possibly with an extended service contract and owners guarantee.

 

Waveloch sold their patent for the wave sheet (the wave on RC ship's) to a Canadian Company. I wonder if there might be changes going forward, but I highly doubt it.

[Paulette3028]

Finally someone with reason. D/D+ will always whine regardless. Reading things like "I will be more demanding" "I deserve this" "I have cruised with RC x times, how could they do this?" "These are MY benefits". Really? Get a grip people... It's a cruise line and a vacation.. Most of you act like "change" is the end of the world. Maybe royal should add a new deck to all ships (with inside cabins only of course) just for all of you and let you bathe in champagne, be waited on hand and foot, have staff to cut your toenails and give you a sponge bath, perhaps even parade you through the promenade with all the celebration you deserve so everyone on the ship knows who you are. Would that make you happy??? What a joke.... Oh by the way.. You can just book a suite and get some great perks right off the bat.. After all this is a thread about suite upgrades but as always some D/D+ member selfishly hijacks the thread to complain about their diminishing benefits.

 

Thank you for the compliment, most people just call me 'crazy for thinking the way I do'.