The more you spend the more C&A Points?

[John&LaLa]

I finally cut the cord on my kids this year, they are always invited as long as they can pay! Lol poor little darlings got shorted I only bought them up to emerald! :p

 

Mine are only Gold on Royal, more trips on Carnival and HAL. We really didn't concentrate on Royal until they left high school. Youngest in Navy now. He should be Pinnacle before he gets out.

[kike368]

I'm not going, my kept woman is going solo. Just kidding, Laura is going solo. Anyway are you on the 11th or 18th? I am planning on attending the pre sail get together on 10th and 17th.

 

We are on the 11th but we are staying in Orlando because my kept woman is a Harry potter freak and has to go to universal on Sat.

First cruise with no kids and we are going to Universal studios, go figure

Edited September 26, 2015 by kike368

[Paulxyz2004]

I see this as Royal providing incentives to drive the behavior they wish to see. If I was a Royal exec, I would rather provide the loyalty benefits to folks that have spent a lot of money on my line, then folks that haven't. So it makes sense to reward the folks that spend the money that provides solid return to shareholders.

 

I don't know this as a fact, but I can't imagine the company makes much money selling inside cabins to folks that do not spend on board. To then provide those folks with loyalty benefits is a double hit to the bottom line. Not saying they shouldn't provide those benefits, but pointing out the business case to support rewarding onboard spending.

 

I mostly agree with you. RCI / RCCL must do what they Need to do to make the shareholders happy and one way could be to reward spending.

 

I just think if they proceed to go this way they Need to make Major changes to the Programm and the most important will be a Change from loyalty to reward.

 

So far C&A is advertised as a loyalty Programm. The way they are going now however has nothing to do with loyalty anymore. Loyalty IMO is not primarily about how much I spend but more about how often I use a Company.

 

In the past when taken Cruises counted it was a true loyalty Programm, as it was only about how often I use it. The Change to nights at sea still resembled this, but it was a bit watered down by extra Points for suites and solos as this was the first Baby step into Building in spending. But still it was mostly about how often the product was used.

 

If they start now to give Points for Money spent they clearly move away from a loyalty scheme to a reward scheme and I´m sure this will result in some more changes and I´m already sitting back to read about the uproar on the boards this will cause in the end. I.E. I see them making Status renewable, so that it´s not lifetime anymore if you don´t Keep up with it.

 

They also Need to stop announcing the highest Points cruiser on any given sailling as the one with the most nights at sea (actualy it isn´t true now already).

[A&L_Ont]

I finally cut the cord on my kids this year, they are always invited as long as they can pay! Lol poor little darlings got shorted I only bought them up to emerald! :p

 

Just curious, what age are the kiddies? Our DS is only eight, but I think 20 to 25 would be the age to cut the cruise ambilical cord. You know, so long he is in school, a responsible young man etc...

 

He is D on his own accord, and has only paid us in memories that will last a lifetime. For me, that is payment enough.:)

[shipshape sam]

Still an interesting promotion to try out. Kinda like Diamonds in December.

 

Royal needs one for January 2016 when we next sail! :)

 

IF I were within (not sure what $) of reaching the $450 for each of us AND I was reasonably comfortable with spending the money on something we wanted, I would spend it.

 

We typically do spend about $500 - $700 onboard depending on cruise length.

 

We buy wine package, dinner package, we buy martini's, beer, junk from stores onboard. It would also depend on what counts and does not count. I might buy that T-shirt onboard if it puts me over the top to get extra points.

 

I think the promotion is fine and as with many promotions, I do not have to participate. Based on my current point count and planned future cruises, I could use 3 extra points to get me to next level without having to sail an additional time to reach it.

 

Hope they expand it to Enchantment in January 2016.

[CaribSailor]

Just curious, what age are the kiddies? Our DS is only eight, but I think 20 to 25 would be the age to cut the cruise ambilical cord. You know, so long he is in school, a responsible young man etc...

 

 

 

He is D on his own accord, and has only paid us in memories that will last a lifetime. For me, that is payment enough.:)

 

 

Well said!

[John&LaLa]

Well said!

 

He defended the position better than you did. ;)

[Fat Paul]

We always sail on Royal Caribbean because we enjoy the product. We always sail in suites because we like the room and added level of service. We always have a bottle of wine with dinner because we are winos and enjoy wine. We often do speciality dinning because we like the upgraded service and meal. And we usually each buy a souvenir of the trip ie: watch, jewelry luggage (my wife loves Britto). All of these things taken together go to make a cruise memorable and enjoyable. Because we only sail in suites we attained diamond status rather quickly but we spend what we spend not to chase points or status, but rather to enjoy our cruise.

Edited September 26, 2015 by Fat Paul

[kike368]

Just curious, what age are the kiddies? Our DS is only eight, but I think 20 to 25 would be the age to cut the cruise ambilical cord. You know, so long he is in school, a responsible young man etc...

 

He is D on his own accord, and has only paid us in memories that will last a lifetime. For me, that is payment enough.:)

 

They are 19 and 22, both in college. I apparently spoke to soon as the DW informed me today that we will. E taking them both on jewel with us in Mar. Apparently the cord has been reattached. I always kinda thought it was ;)

Edited September 26, 2015 by kike368

[SargassoPirate]

Been in the DL you can have it. Would probably go if I needed a nap and a drink. Paying up for cruises? So if only nights spent are on a ship should count you wouldn't mind giving up the multiple points per night in a suite then?

Look at it this way, now you will have a whole new group of people to feel superior to while you have free drinks in the DL/CL.

 

If one wants to feel superior, it's cheaper to go to WalMart or the county fair. You'll find plenty of material at either venue. :D

[CaribSailor]

He defended the position better than you did. ;)

 

 

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion.

Edited September 26, 2015 by CaribSailor

[Cuizer2]

Discussed on this thread

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2259149

 

T&C

 

TERMS & CONDITIONS

Offer applies to Freedom of the Seas Sept. 6, 13, 20, and 27, 2015 sailings. Gold status and higher Crown & Anchor members over the age of 18 will receive an additional three cruise points per sailing when each member in the stateroom makes $450 USD or more in purchases during the sailing and after all credit and refunds have been applied, if any. All adults in the stateroom must meet the minimum amount independently. Purchases and charges made prior to the sailing, such as but limited to air, hotel, dining booked through the call center, items purchased through our Gifts & Gear website, promotional onboard credits, and onboard charges for casino and stateroom gratuities are excluded from the calculation of the minimum amount. Amount of guest's purchases will be calculated upon the end of the cruise. Points will be added to eligible Crown & Anchor member's account 60 days after cruise completion.

 

Why not just start selling the points for $150 each like the airlines do? If someone wants to plop down $105,000 they can sail as Pinnacle on their first cruise.

[later]

I think the $ for the drink package excludes the 18% tip so it would be $49/day or $55/day towards the $450/guest.

[Paulxyz2004]

Why not just start selling the points for $150 each like the airlines do? If someone wants to plop down $105,000 they can sail as Pinnacle on their first cruise.

 

That´s one of the huge differences between the reward Programms the Airlines offer and the loyalty Programm RCI offers today.

 

While with the Airlines you can buy Points, miles, Avios or whatever they call it, These will not Count towards your Status with the Airlines. THose Points are redeemable for products. With RCI / C&A Points have no value at all. They are just used for Status Level Determination.

 

Some Airlines These days offer miles for flights, that can be used for redemption and they also offer Tier Points to determin Status Level. Miles can be purchased, Tier Points not.

[Cuizer2]

My favorite is the folks who say my 6 year old is Diamond in their own right. I guess they paid for that trip themselves.

 

It must have been a very long cruise if they made Diamond with just one cruise.

[Paulette3028]

Just a question....Is there another cruise line that has initiated a program that also rewards cruisers for their onboard spending?

[Retired LEO]

Just a question....Is there another cruise line that has initiated a program that also rewards cruisers for their onboard spending?

 

I believe NCL does.

[Clarea]

Just a question....Is there another cruise line that has initiated a program that also rewards cruisers for their onboard spending?

I've read here that Holland does.

[Rewind]

I don't know this as a fact, but I can't imagine the company makes much money selling inside cabins to folks that do not spend on board. To then provide those folks with loyalty benefits is a double hit to the bottom line. Not saying they shouldn't provide those benefits, but pointing out the business case to support rewarding onboard spending.

 

I'm one of the loss leaders - I sail on whatever I can afford. While I always prefer at least an outside room, if an inside is $200pp cheaper, I'm going to downgrade. I'm not saying I'm cheap, but I'm still 20 years away from being able to retire and my I need to get as much bang for the buck as I can. I spend a bit onboard, a picture or two, a couple of souvenirs, but those are balanced out in my casino winnings.

 

My next cruise will be my first Platinum and I might be able to hit Emerald next year. While I think he 3 points for $450 is a good idea, I agree with other posters that I'd rather sail another cruise for that money (and the one I have in January I booked at $490pp).

[Retired LEO]

I've read here that Holland does.

 

I knew it was one of them. :D

[AlexanderBeetle]

Exactly how do you think you "earned" your status? ...

 

Isn't it the same thing when booking a suite? A lot of people book a suite for the sole purpose of doubling their C&A points.

 

Oy vey non sequiturs abound!

 

I'm not sure why my post is being interpreted in the manner it is. The spirit behind it certainly isn't what is being construed.

 

As I said in my other response, I don't care how people got there. It's not going to change my vacation and I could even see my wife and I making use of it once in a great while. Us lowly 'Golds' who travel in ocean views are far from looking down upon the masses in the CL. We need all the help we can get.

 

I'm simply wondering if this kind of point purchase option cheapens what seems to be a good loyalty program. The thoughts behind that are based on my reasoning in the earlier response. That's it.

Edited September 26, 2015 by AlexanderBeetle

[Lady Hudson]

More thoughts from me . . . I guess we all like what will give us the most points. I don't drink, am excursioned out, but do spend money in the casino which, if playing blackjack, is usually not kept track of by RCI. This new program will not interest me at all.

 

Question: who would you think more valuable to the cruise line? A once a year suite person or someone like me who sailed 13 times last year (some inside, some outside and a few balconies). Consider spending onboard about the same for each. Just curious -- I really don't have a clue. Katherine

Edited September 26, 2015 by Lady Hudson

[Husky1987]

I'm simply wondering if this kind of point purchase option cheapens what seems to be a good loyalty program. The thoughts behind that are based on my reasoning in the earlier response. That's it.

 

I guess it's up to an individual's point of view whether gaining 3 points for $450pp in on board spending cheapens a good loyalty program more or less than gaining 7 points for spending $450pp on an inside cabin for a weeklong cruise.

 

Me? I'm with the poster(s) who said we're all paying for our status in one way or another. More power to anyone who gets there, however they get there...doesn't make a lick of difference to my cruise at all.

[Paulette3028]

I believe NCL does.

 

I've read here that Holland does.

 

Thanks for the answers -- seems like Royal is testing out what their competitors are doing....I just wish they would come up with something original and lead the industry vs be reactive to others on this. I realize they created Oasis class ships as a new industry type of ship.

[Lionesss]

This thread has been very fun to read.

 

A lot of different view points expressed.

 

Now mine.

 

We enjoy cruising.

 

But because of our work schedules and family comittments (elderly dependent parents) we are only able to cruise once a year.

 

So at this time we make the most of it.

 

We were able to just become Diamond after our last Oasis cruise, because sailing on RCI we make the most of our vacations by only sailing in suites.

 

 

I have read so many times once you sail in a suite you wont be able to go back......I have to agree.

 

So, by doing this we now have the Diamond benefits.

Diamond lounge or drinks place on card for happy hour starting with our next cruise.

 

But, we enjoy the suite lounge, especially on Oasis.

 

And this past August, we really enjoyed the new lounge, it had guest but really not too crowded.

 

We never waited more than 5 min. to have an empty glass filled.

 

The first night there was 4 bartenders in there, and after that 3.

 

The one bartender kinda latched onto us, I do not know if it was because the DH tipped him on day one:D

 

He saw we had purchased the drink package, and we were not limited to the traditional happy hour drinks.

 

Some nights we ordered non-included drinks (ie. Captains and diet coke).

 

There were however kids galore a couple nights, and some visited with their cover-ups over bathing suits. I guess dress code not enforced.

 

Some days we just sat by ourselves and other days we mingled, really did not feel out of place with "the rich and famous" or Pinnnacles.

 

Did however see some mighty fine jewelry, Bling to the max. It is what it is.

 

Did we feel out of place. No.

We cannot wait till we sail next year and visit the suite lounge on the Allure.

 

Do not know if we will visit the Diamond lounge if it is crowded, or if we would look down upon as lowly Diamonds.

 

In closing, people earn their C & A status different ways.

By sailing suites, many cruises, solo, attached to their parents status, the old December diamond thingie........now spending money......it is what it is, RCI just trying another way to make money.

 

I hope they will have a big enough venue to accomadate those who move up the ranks quickly.

 

 

Sea Ya