Are D+ still admitted to Concierge Lounge?

[CptSticky]

Take whatever you read here with some skepticism.

 

A year or so ago, someone reported seeing a sign in the check in area for "Black Diamond."

 

Of course, hundreds of posts followed, most of them almost guaranteeing this was the new level between D+ and Pinnacle.

 

Guess what, that sign has never been seen again.

Even though Jim was not allowed to take a picture of the sign, someone did and posted it here. So, not quite the same as "someone said". And, add to that that we did actually end up with a pinnacle level. Now here we have a picture of an actual sign again. Makes you wonder. Hmmm.

Now on the other hand, I assume that the ship has a graphics shop that is able to make that type of sign so it could just be the HD throwing his weight around. I suppose only time will tell. While it no longer personally applies to me, we do have lots of D+ friends that we like to sit with and if I go to the DL to be with them then I miss out on sitting with the P's and suite friends. So not looking forward to this at all.

[actuarian]

I guess the true test of resolution will be the removal of the sign. Boarding Friday, we'll see about the sign.

 

That sign was not something that was just made on a printer and hung by the door, it is a more of a plaque. Do you think it is possible that the sign was actually correct, it was just the timing that is wrong. Why would a sign like that even be made in the first place, if it is not an indication of the near future.

 

Just my two cents

 

M

 

I am sure that the sign was put there for a reason, initiated either by the Hotel Manager or some Middle Manager at the corporate office. However, the email I received would surely indicate that is not Top Managements policy. I was in the (only) accessible suite on the Oasis last week and I saw that several new suite enhancements were added and that they were administered by the suite concierge. For example, suite occupants now have their luggage unloaded in a separate section of the terminal and they are escorted off the ship from the suite lounge to that area by suite lounge crew members, bypassing all of the lines and then fast tracking through customs. These are great benefits but it would be awkward for the concierge to administer them if non-suite cruisers were also in the lounge (other than Ps, who get the same benefits). Unlike the Oasis, the Enchantment has no Suite Lounge and I think that may why the plaque was put up. (And the Enchantment also has no accessible accommodations above the JS level, so suite perks are not available there to those of us who require such accommodations, even when we want to pay for them.)

[grand isle joe]

Thetrail – I was very certain to say IN MY EXPERIENCE. We too have frequented the CL for many years. You misquoted me – I did not say seniors in the CL. I said DL. And guess what – we are also in our 50s so we are a little too mature to feel guilty about our behavior. It was not meant to be defamatory to all seniors (heck to many people WE'RE already seniors! ;)). The fact remains that in OUR experience, the least welcoming people in the DL have been people "of a certain age". We have socialized happily with all ages, cabin categories, C&A levels blah blah blah. You are more than welcome to call “BS on my post” but it has indeed been our experience.

 

:eek:

 

I agree with your perspective 100%. We have also encounted, let's say, less than inviting glares when we dared to invade a sacred space....even though we are entitled through our GS stay. :)

[Aboat1]

I agree with your perspective 100%. We have also encounted, let's say, less than inviting glares when we dared to invade a sacred space....even though we are entitled through our GS stay. :)

 

Another 100% agree here. And we are entitled as both Suite and upper tier C&A.!!!!

 

Hello...not everyone in a Suite is a one time guest! Some people just like more room and are willing to pay for it.

[karena1]

As D+, we've produced over $100,000 in revenue for Royal Caribbean. Do I think that "entitles" me to special place to sit for a while each evening and drink from a complimentary bottle of $5 wine. Why, yes, I do.

 

With you there. I find it unbelievable that someone that stays in a Suite ONCE thinks they have more right to the CL than those of us that have spent thousands of dollars on Royal over the years. And yes, We NEVER get an inside cabin. It is always OV on a short cruise and balconies on a 7 night cruise. Cannot even begin to add up how much I have spent on Royal, so we deserve some perks also

 

I laugh at how the Suites think we are snobs - these comments shows who the snobs are!!! We never care if someone joins us at a table in the CL. We love talking to people. Yes, are we proud to be D+? Of course, but we are friendly. To put all D+'s in the same category is crazy.

[drarill]

Not only have I spent over $100,000 in the past (and enjoyed every minute of it) but what I have done lately is booked 4 more cruises costing over $10,000

Just one question; $10,000 for one cruise or four? Just to give you an idea, we are paying more than $10,000 for our next RCCL one week cruise on a suite and much more than that to try the new suite perks on Celebrity's Equinox this summer. Suite guests are paying for the lounge. RCCL rewards our loyalty with the Diamond lounge, three free drinks every night, a balcony discount, free laundry/internet and other perks.

 

Another 100% agree here. And we are entitled as both Suite and upper tier C&A.!!!!

 

Hello...not everyone in a Suite is a one time guest! Some people just like more room and are willing to pay for it.

I agree with you, BTW I think that we. the super entitled (D+/suite guests), should have a special reserved area at the CL. :D No flames please; I'm kidding... :D

[Aboat1]

Just one question; $10,000 for one cruise or four? Just to give you an idea, we are paying more than $10,000 for our next RCCL one week cruise on a suite and much more than that to try the new suite perks on Celebrity's Equinox this summer. Suite guests are paying for the lounge. RCCL rewards our loyalty with the Diamond lounge, three free drinks every night, a balcony discount, free laundry/internet and other perks.

 

BINGO!!!!!!:D

 

 

I agree with you, BTW I think that we. the super entitled (D+/suite guests), should have a special reserved area at the CL. :D No flames please; I'm kidding... :D

 

Now there is an idea... A whole new category!!! Let's start this rumor!! Can you make the sign??:):) I am kidding too!!!

[CruiseNAngie]

Was Felix the DL concierge? Do you know his last name? Did you get information on when either of the concierges were going on vacation? I am one of the folks who updates the GoodDoc Spreadsheet for Concierges paired with the Current Concierge thread. Thanks!

 

Catalina was the CL concierge ... she left Monday for vacation

 

Carlington was the DL concierge ... he has moved to the CL for a few weeks before he moves to the Freedom

 

Felix came on board Monday and is the new DL concierge

[SherriZ366]

Catalina was the CL concierge ... she left Monday for vacation

 

Carlington was the DL concierge ... he has moved to the CL for a few weeks before he moves to the Freedom

 

Felix came on board Monday and is the new DL concierge

Thanks -- I updated Google Doc.

[critterchick]

your wrong on your "assumption". Sailed B2B the last two weeks on Serenade and had a total 11 and 9 pinnacles, and 29 and 27 D+ on the ship, hardly "too many" as you "factually" report....:rolleyes:

 

Yet the week before when we were on there were 27 Pinnacles and a couple hundred (can't recall the exact number) D+. The numbers fluctuate greatly from week to week, and can be seen in the crowding (or not) in the CL. Both lounges were very crowded on that cruise, with overflow into the VCL most nights.

 

I will be interested to see if the P/S only sign is gone from Enchantment by Friday. I often wonder how much any CEO knows about the day to day operations of his or her company. Remember that during a recent webcast for TAs, it was repeatedly stated that D+ had to be in a GS or higher to enter the CL. Although it was later "clarified" (by what I thought was a response pulled from a stock list of answers that may or may not have been updated) that this wasn't the case, I suspect that it's coming sooner rather than later.

[julesbeara]

If they implement a change fleet wide to make the Concierge Lounge available to Suites & Pinnacles only it would be nice to get a little advance notice (3 months???), or have an official announcement.

 

Diamond Members lost access to the Concierge Lounge on September 1, 2009 and emails went out announcing the program changes in March 2009 and April 2009.

[Sam.Seattle]

Yet the week before when we were on there were 27 Pinnacles and a couple hundred (can't recall the exact number) D+. The numbers fluctuate greatly from week to week, and can be seen in the crowding (or not) in the CL. Both lounges were very crowded on that cruise, with overflow into the VCL most nights.

 

I will be interested to see if the P/S only sign is gone from Enchantment by Friday. I often wonder how much any CEO knows about the day to day operations of his or her company. Remember that during a recent webcast for TAs, it was repeatedly stated that D+ had to be in a GS or higher to enter the CL. Although it was later "clarified" (by what I thought was a response pulled from a stock list of answers that may or may not have been updated) that this wasn't the case, I suspect that it's coming sooner rather than later.

 

Thank you so very much for your posting. I attempted to comment last night, but your posting with facts is what I was thinking but really could not find the words. Obviously there is an over crowding problem or this thread would not be so watched and commented on.

[yogimax]

The fair thing to do, if changes are coming, is to "grandfather" in all existing members. For example, if you are now D+, you will continue to have access to the CL. Anyone attaining D+ in the future would abide by the new rules.

[CptSticky]

The fair thing to do, if changes are coming, is to "grandfather" in all existing members. For example, if you are now D+, you will continue to have access to the CL. Anyone attaining D+ in the future would abide by the new rules.

Maybe fair, but definitely not the history of Royal. Diamonds were not grandfathered. Although in fairness, alternate provisions were made. Based on that history here is my prediction. D+ will be kicked out of the CL or a name change to the lounge will occur to accomplish the same thing. It will be considered "fair" by Royal because they will still have the same basic privileges only with a different named lounge. My personal problem is not with the name of the lounge or what it offers but with the separating of people that I wish to sit with. This is obviously my problem and not Royal's.

[critterchick]

Maybe fair, but definitely not the history of Royal. Diamonds were not grandfathered. Although in fairness, alternate provisions were made. Based on that history here is my prediction. D+ will be kicked out of the CL or a name change to the lounge will occur to accomplish the same thing. It will be considered "fair" by Royal because they will still have the same basic privileges only with a different named lounge. My personal problem is not with the name of the lounge or what it offers but with the separating of people that I wish to sit with. This is obviously my problem and not Royal's.

 

You could all meet in a public bar and use your coupons. What's the problem there?

[CptSticky]

You could all meet in a public bar and use your coupons. What's the problem there?

Kind of hard to explain. It's not like I know who will be on a cruise ahead of time. We know lots of people who frequent the CL but are not really close friends. If we are scattered through out the ship, will we be able to get a group together? I know, this is not Royal's fault and things change. We often have no control of changes, still, not really looking forward to the changes. I guess if more of our friends were on CC things would be easier:o Maybe I just like the "good ole days".

[Bobal]

When will all ships have a dedicated D lounge? Perhaps the plan is at that point to make the CL lounge for suites only, the D lounge for D+ only and D's will have the vouchers.

[melbur]

When will all ships have a dedicated D lounge? Perhaps the plan is at that point to make the CL lounge for suites and P's only, the D lounge for D+ only and D's will have the vouchers.

 

Writing is on the wall

[Clarea]

When will all ships have a dedicated D lounge? Perhaps the plan is at that point to make the CL lounge for suites only, the D lounge for D+ only and D's will have the vouchers.

In early 2016, Jewel will get her dry dock and have the last dedicated DL added. In April 2016, Majesty will leave the fleet, so at that point all ships in Royal's fleet will have a dedicated DL.

[cruisegirl1]

When will all ships have a dedicated D lounge? Perhaps the plan is at that point to make the CL lounge for suites only, the D lounge for D+ only and D's will have the vouchers.

 

We love the voucher system and would hate to lose it under your plan. For us, except for specialty coffee, I'd rather have the vouchers than access to the lounge. We don't eat the snacks, generally don't need the concierge services and have gotten used to having a drink at various places around the ship. Yes, we will miss running into old friends, but hopefully we would see them in other places on the ship. We are not interested in unlimited drinking for 3 hours, so a few vouchers are more than enough. Since the vouchers have been initiated, we rarely use the lounge in the evening.

 

The vouchers are a great perk to us.

 

M

Edited March 11, 2015 by cruisegirl1

[DChamp]

I will be REAL upset, if after just EARNING our new D+, the first cruise we go on (AOS in August) we weren't allowed in the CL!

 

This happened when we became Diamond, and all of a sudden, we couldn't use the DL, and we had to sit in a normal lounge and have beer or wine only. Thank goodness that changed.

 

Oh well...

[CRUISEBOY305]

We love the voucher system and would hate to lose it under your plan. For us, except for specialty coffee, I'd rather have the vouchers than access to the lounge. We don't eat the snacks, generally don't need the concierge services and have gotten used to having a drink at various places around the ship. Yes, we will miss running into old friends, but hopefully we would see them in other places on the ship. We are not interested in unlimited drinking for 3 hours, so a few vouchers are more than enough. Since the vouchers have been initiated, we rarely use the lounge in the evening.

 

The vouchers are a great perk to us.

 

M

 

I would think that D+ and P's would have the vouchers as well, in addition to the "Diamond Concierge Lounge."

Edited March 11, 2015 by CRUISEBOY305

[Bobal]

We love the voucher system and would hate to lose it under your plan.

 

The vouchers are a great perk to us.

 

M

 

Hey, it's not my plan - I'm just speculating ;)

 

I would think that D+ and P's would have the vouchers as well, in addition to the "Diamond Concierge Lounge."

 

I agree, perhaps I should have said that. I think the vouchers have proved popular all-round and I don't see them taking them away from any level. And even if they make the D lounge for D+ only there will still be cruises (eg Transatlantics) where the lounges are very crowded and the vouchers help with that.

[Thetrail]

WE were told that there were 7 Pinnacles and 17 D+ on Serenade last week. The CL was far from crowded.

My number could be a few off, didn't write it down, but you are 100% correct. There certainly was no issue whatsoever regarding the CL being crowded.....K.O.:)

[peteukmcr]

I will be REAL upset, if after just EARNING our new D+, the first cruise we go on (AOS in August) we weren't allowed in the CL!

 

 

 

This happened when we became Diamond, and all of a sudden, we couldn't use the DL, and we had to sit in a normal lounge and have beer or wine only. Thank goodness that changed.

 

 

 

Oh well...

 

 

Trust me the DL on Adventure on deck 14 is far superior than the cupboard which is the CL. The DL has sea views, is bigger than the CL and has outside seating. The CL has no windows and frankly is dark and depressing IMHO.

 

 

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