Pinnacle Functions Ending

[DragonOfTheSeas]

I have taken on a work project, so we won't be cruising till May again this year, but we are thinking that it might be fun to have our 1400 cruise point awarded during the Presidents cruise in September. After our May cruise, we will be at 1396 points.

 

I have a few friends that have over 1400 points (they like to call themselves Pinnacle 2.0 and up) where Patti and I are just known as Pinnacle 1.5! :D

 

Rick

 

. . . or P squared. Sorry I cannot make my text do that. But, I am sure someone knows how. :D

 

PS--By fall we will be D+. Alas, I am not sure we will ever make P. . . . but, I am going to give it my best. :)

Edited February 2, 2016 by DragonOfTheSeas

[cruisenfever]

There must be some other way for them to get point totals, because it is common for them to announce the top 3 point totals on the ship, and those point totals are usually not milestones.

The only person on board who really needs an accurate points total is the Loyalty Ambassador.

 

The list that is available to the Concierge only goes up to 999 on all ships. Seems that they never thought anybody would go over that number.

. . . or P squared. Sorry I cannot make my text do that. But, I am sure someone knows how. :D

 

PS--By fall we will be D+. Alas, I am not sure we will ever make P. . . . but, I am going to give it my best. :)

If anyone was P squared they would have 490,000 cruise points!:eek:

Edited February 2, 2016 by cruisenfever

[DragonOfTheSeas]

The only person on board who really needs an accurate points total is the Loyalty Ambassador.

 

The list that is available to the Concierge only goes up to 999 on all ships. Seems that they never thought anybody would go over that number.

 

If anyone was P squared they would have 490,000 cruise points!:eek:

 

so true. LOL :eek:

[Clarea]

... If anyone was P squared they would have 490,000 cruise points!:eek:

Mario will probably have that next year.:)

[John&LaLa]

The Loyalty Ambassador onboard receives a list of the highest cruisers from corporate for each cruise. This is passed on to every crew member that has a need to know.

 

When the top 3 cruisers onboard are announced, the LA also says how many total cruise points they have.........not the "999" that the Royal Caribbean phone rep sees.

 

Rick

 

It must be a large number of people. On Legend last year I got a copy of the cheat sheet given to the waiters

 

It had the following information

Nightly shows

Highlights of the menus

Number of children

C&A members by level

Top 3 cruisers

Port times.

 

I guess this is what they use for their nightly update for the next day

[Don Pedro]

I think the most interesting thing about the pinnacle club is that no one seems to know very much about it. All of the Crown & Anchor levels have well defined benefits except the pinnacle club. Different ships treat us differently. sometimes you get free pressing; sometimes not; sometimes you get a full menu for room service, sometimes not; sometimes you get invited to events, sometimes not.

 

I sure didn't know you get a stratum at 1050 and others were unaware of the larger stratum at 1400. Here we are, very knowledgeable experienced cruisers learning about the pinnacle club through cruise critic rather than through Royal Caribbean. Even the actually number of pinnacles is a major secret hidden somewhere deep in the bowels of Miami.

 

There is no handbook. All we have to rely on is that Richard Fain said pinnacle club members were to get the same benefits as suites. Unfortunately that memo didn't get to all the ships or has been conveniently lost or forgotten. I cannot find, in writing, where pinnacle club members are entitled to use the suite lounge. What is wrong with one class of gold card?

[cruisenfever]

I think the most interesting thing about the pinnacle club is that no one seems to know very much about it. All of the Crown & Anchor levels have well defined benefits except the pinnacle club. Different ships treat us differently. sometimes you get free pressing; sometimes not; sometimes you get a full menu for room service, sometimes not; sometimes you get invited to events, sometimes not.

 

I sure didn't know you get a stratum at 1050 and others were unaware of the larger stratum at 1400. Here we are, very knowledgeable experienced cruisers learning about the pinnacle club through cruise critic rather than through Royal Caribbean. Even the actually number of pinnacles is a major secret hidden somewhere deep in the bowels of Miami.

 

There is no handbook. All we have to rely on is that Richard Fain said pinnacle club members were to get the same benefits as suites. Unfortunately that memo didn't get to all the ships or has been conveniently lost or forgotten. I cannot find, in writing, where pinnacle club members are entitled to use the suite lounge. What is wrong with one class of gold card?

We have always received the same perks as Suite Guests on all or our cruises.

 

Email received on 9/10/2015 states.....

 

Dear Patricia:

 

As a Pinnacle Club member, you'll receive exclusive benefits and privileges on your upcoming voyage, including:

 

• Priority Check In & Complimentary Water: Enjoy priority boarding & two bottles of complimentary water in your stateroom upon arrival.

 

• Onboard Offers: Be sure to reference the Welcome Letter in your stateroom on embarkation day to view the great onboard offers for shopping; VitalitySM Day Spa, Internet Café, and other activities.

 

• Lounge Access: Enjoy exclusive access to the Concierge Lounge or Suite Lounge where you can relax and mingle with other Crown & Anchor Society members.

• Nightly Happy Hour: Enjoy three complimentary drink vouchers during the nightly happy hour (times vary by ship).

 

• Next Cruise Bonus: Up to $500 credit in instant onboard credit, when you book your next cruise onboard. Visit the next cruise desk for details.

 

• Balcony & Suite Discounts: Book your next cruise onboard in a Balcony or Suite stateroom and enjoy savings; combine this offer with the Next Cruise Bonus and save more!

 

Thank you for your continued loyalty and have a wonderful voyage!

See your Benefits http://click.royalcaribbeanmarketing.com/?qs=6c30b543aa6fc86d60679ef0badfdac6c84089fa57ba3839d1fe891ca1b5afcc81005c1cc36ee4ca

Edited February 2, 2016 by cruisenfever

[rubrrick]

Mario will probably have that next year.:)

 

 

LOL!!!:D:D

 

Rick

[Clarea]

• Priority Check In & Complimentary Water: Enjoy priority boarding & two bottles of complimentary water in your stateroom upon arrival.

 

• Onboard Offers: Be sure to reference the Welcome Letter in your stateroom on embarkation day to view the great onboard offers for shopping; VitalitySM Day Spa, Internet Café, and other activities.

 

• Lounge Access: Enjoy exclusive access to the Concierge Lounge or Suite Lounge where you can relax and mingle with other Crown & Anchor Society members.

• Nightly Happy Hour: Enjoy three complimentary drink vouchers during the nightly happy hour (times vary by ship).

 

• Next Cruise Bonus: Up to $500 credit in instant onboard credit, when you book your next cruise onboard. Visit the next cruise desk for details.

 

• Balcony & Suite Discounts: Book your next cruise onboard in a Balcony or Suite stateroom and enjoy savings; combine this offer with the Next Cruise Bonus and save more!

Patti, do you think PC members still get free Luggage Valet?

[Don Pedro]

Patti if you look at the specific list it does not include suite lounge access. When the Liberty first came to Texas, on at least one sailing, the pinnacles were even denied access to the CL. On the post dry dock plans RCCL's narrative states that the suite lounge is for suite guests and the diamond lounge is for D, D+ and P.

 

I appreciate all the benefits but just think they could be better defined to us and the ships.

[ARCruisinNana]

Patti if you look at the specific list it does not include suite lounge access. When the Liberty first came to Texas, on at least one sailing, the pinnacles were even denied access to the CL. On the post dry dock plans RCCL's narrative states that the suite lounge is for suite guests and the diamond lounge is for D, D+ and P.

 

 

 

I appreciate all the benefits but just think they could be better defined to us and the ships.

 

 

Nothing on the list of PC benefits lists having all the benefits of the Gold Card. The basic email referenced by Patti could apply to C&A members Diamond and up, except for the one paragraph in bold type about CL and SL access. It is frustrating to see the description of the Suite Lounge on Liberty listed for GS and above. Of course, this seems to be typical for RCCL. I see what Pete is talking about the two levels of Gold Card, at least on Liberty. We had a Gold Card but weren't included in Suite functions. I hope this changes when LB comes back from drydock.

Edited February 2, 2016 by ARCruisinNana

[cruisenfever]

Here is the email from Betsy O'Rourke that was sent to all PC Members in November of 2011.......

 

Dear XXXXXX:

 

On more than one occasion in the past months since we launched the Pinnacle Club, I have been asked why the Gold SeaPass card is for Suites only. I am pleased to announce that after careful analysis and consideration, for cruises beginning on or after November 19th, Pinnacle Club members will receive Gold SeaPass cards - even those of you not sailing in a Suite. With this Gold SeaPass card you will now enjoy a few more benefits, including:

 

• Priority tender on select cruises
  
• VIP pool deck seating where available
  
• Private seating for breakfast and lunch in specialty restaurants on Voyager and Freedom class ships
  
• Mattel board games available to order from the Concierge
  
• Access to Labadee Cabanas+
  
• Personalized Port & Shopping Guide referrals
  
• Complimentary luggage valet and onboard checking service with select airlines*
  
• Personalized departure escort when visiting our ports-of-call**
  
• Complimentary pressing service on formal night***
  

I hope you share my enthusiasm for this change. I look forward to seeing you onboard again soon. Happy sailing!

 

Warm regards,

 

Betsy O'Rourke

Senior Vice President

Marketing Royal Caribbean International

 

* Only ship fees are waived - this is available in select port and with select airline carriers .

**Available for tendering ports only. Guests will be escorted off the ship only. This isn't available all the time and up to the discretion of the concierge.

***Only Formal Wear outfit will be pressed for Formal night only.

+ Rental Fee applies

 

Of course, we all know that Betsy is no longer with RCI, but I carry this email with me when I am on a ship because there has been no email sent out since that contradicts the above Gold Card Benefits.

[cruisenfever]

Nothing on the list of PC benefits lists having all the benefits of the Gold Card. The basic email referenced by Patti could apply to C&A members Diamond and up, except for the one paragraph in bold type about CL and SL access. It is frustrating to see the description of the Suite Lounge on Liberty listed for GS and above. Of course, this seems to be typical for RCCL. I see what Pete is talking about the two levels of Gold Card, at least on Liberty. We had a Gold Card but weren't included in Suite functions. I hope this changes when LB comes back from drydock.

Then an email to

 

Aurora "Laly" Yera-Rodriguez

Director, Guest Relations & Shared Services

Azamara Club Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, & Royal Caribbean International

954-628-9313 ext. 19313

ayera-rodriguez@rccl.com

 

is in order to let them know what is happening on one ship.

[ARCruisinNana]

Then an email to

 

Aurora "Laly" Yera-Rodriguez

Director, Guest Relations & Shared Services

Azamara Club Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, & Royal Caribbean International

954-628-9313 ext. 19313

ayera-rodriguez@rccl.com

 

is in order to let them know what is happening on one ship.

 

Thanks for the contact. I was called after my post cruise comments on Liberty. If things haven't improved next month, I'll follow up.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[ARCruisinNana]

Here is the email from Betsy O'Rourke that was sent to all PC Members in November of 2011.......

 

Dear XXXXXX:

 

On more than one occasion in the past months since we launched the Pinnacle Club, I have been asked why the Gold SeaPass card is for Suites only. I am pleased to announce that after careful analysis and consideration, for cruises beginning on or after November 19th, Pinnacle Club members will receive Gold SeaPass cards - even those of you not sailing in a Suite. With this Gold SeaPass card you will now enjoy a few more benefits, including:

 

• Priority tender on select cruises
  
• VIP pool deck seating where available
  
• Private seating for breakfast and lunch in specialty restaurants on Voyager and Freedom class ships
  
• Mattel board games available to order from the Concierge
  
• Access to Labadee Cabanas+
  
• Personalized Port & Shopping Guide referrals
  
• Complimentary luggage valet and onboard checking service with select airlines*
  
• Personalized departure escort when visiting our ports-of-call**
  
• Complimentary pressing service on formal night***
  

I hope you share my enthusiasm for this change. I look forward to seeing you onboard again soon. Happy sailing!

 

Warm regards,

 

Betsy O'Rourke

Senior Vice President

Marketing Royal Caribbean International

 

* Only ship fees are waived - this is available in select port and with select airline carriers .

**Available for tendering ports only. Guests will be escorted off the ship only. This isn't available all the time and up to the discretion of the concierge.

***Only Formal Wear outfit will be pressed for Formal night only.

+ Rental Fee applies

 

Of course, we all know that Betsy is no longer with RCI, but I carry this email with me when I am on a ship because there has been no email sent out since that contradicts the above Gold Card Benefits.

 

I will also make a copy to take with me. I think there are quite a few of us who have made PC after 2011.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[Don Pedro]

I will also make a copy to take with me. I think there are quite a few of us who have made PC after 2011.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

 

I also appreciate getting this additional information and while it cant hurt to take a copy along I can't help but wonder what weight a four year old document signed by a long gone executive will have. Carolyn has a valid point when she said the documentation doesn't specifically say we get suite benefits.

Edited February 2, 2016 by Don Pedro

[Seatravelers]

Thanks for the contact. I was called after my post cruise comments on Liberty. If things haven't improved next month, I'll follow up.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

 

I, for one, will be interested in how things have improved on LB (see how optimistic I'm being:rolleyes:). Wishing you a better experience this time and keeping my fingers crossed so many of the Pinnacle unfriendly aspects have been remedied;). Cheers!

[djh]

I, for one, will be interested in how things have improved on LB (see how optimistic I'm being:rolleyes:). Wishing you a better experience this time and keeping my fingers crossed so many of the Pinnacle unfriendly aspects have been remedied;). Cheers!

I'll have to scope out the suite lounge next week and look for pinnacles. One improvement on the LB, we did get a welcome letter from Carlos this morning. We didn't get that in November.

[Seatravelers]

I'll have to scope out the suite lounge next week and look for pinnacles. One improvement on the LB, we did get a welcome letter from Carlos this morning. We didn't get that in November.

 

Baby steps are better than no steps. Thanks for sharing!

[Tagsalong]

There must be some other way for them to get point totals, because it is common for them to announce the top 3 point totals on the ship, and those point totals are usually not milestones.

 

That is correct. But the pages that the Concierges (DL & CL) print out only show 999 for those at, or over, 1000 points. It's the LA that announces the top cruisers and their points. Obviously they have access to all of our points, no matter how high they go.

 

On the Freedom, a year or so ago, the LA had us as the top cruisers because she accidentally pulled our Celebrity points. We found out just before the Welcome Back Party by seeing it on the marquee just outside the theater. We got it corrected just in time and the appropriate lady got the recognition. We were second. The Freedom LA only announces the top cruiser, but the LA sent us a note, with a bottle of bubbly, to our room.

Edited February 2, 2016 by Tagsalong

[CVU]

We are on our 3 Rd consecutive Allure cruise and still invited to Suite and Pinnacle events.

 

There was nothing for just only the 27 to the 20 this week Pinnacles.

 

On Jewel in Sept they had breakfast in Chops and a photo of our LARGE group. But that was because there were so many on board for the 4 cruises.

 

Suite&Pinnacle invites to-

Heli Pad sail away

We had a SL event with Officers

 

Usual Meal with an Officer lunch for C&A

Top Tier event

Welcome Back event

[cruisenfever]

Here's what was included in the email from Royal Caribbean we received on 9/10/2015 regarding the new Suite Program being implemented May of 2016. Pretty self explanatory IMHO. It appears, from what is being posted, that Liberty didn't get the memo.

 

Special Message About Your Pinnacle Club Members

 

As a Pinnacle member, nothing is changing for you, you'll find the same impeccable service you expect and deserve with your Gold Card privilege, including access to spaces that set you apart, like the Diamond Lounge, the Concierge Lounge/Suite Lounge, Coastal Kitchen and the private deck area reserved for suite guests, fleet wide. When you book a stay in the Royal Suite Class, you'll have even more opportunities to enjoy your vacation in luxury. We look forward to seeing you onboard. If you have any questions, feel free to call our loyalty desk at 1-800-526-9723

Edited February 2, 2016 by cruisenfever

[cruisenfever]

That is correct. But the pages that the Concierges (DL & CL) print out only show 999 for those at, or over, 1000 points. It's the LA that announces the top cruisers and their points. Obviously they have access to all of our points, no matter how high they go.

 

On the Freedom, a year or so ago, the LA had us as the top cruisers because she accidentally pulled our Celebrity points. We found out just before the Welcome Back Party by seeing it on the marquee just outside the theater. We got it corrected just in time and the appropriate lady got the recognition. We were second. The Freedom LA only announces the top cruiser, but the LA sent us a note, with a bottle of bubbly, to our room.

Things must have changed on Freedom, because when we did our b2b in December of 2012, the top three PC Members were recognized and we all got a bottle of bubbly.

[jules815]

We are on our 3 Rd consecutive Allure cruise and still invited to Suite and Pinnacle events.

 

There was nothing for just only the 27 to the 20 this week Pinnacles.

 

On Jewel in Sept they had breakfast in Chops and a photo of our LARGE group. But that was because there were so many on board for the 4 cruises.

 

Suite&Pinnacle invites to-

Heli Pad sail away

We had a SL event with Officers

 

Usual Meal with an Officer lunch for C&A

Top Tier event

Welcome Back event

 

 

Which ships have heli-pad sail aways for Suite and Pinnacles guests? I believe we saw one once, either Allure or Oasis docked next to us, and there was a bagpiper.

[travelgoddess1]

It's not a real level yet.

 

1400 points is a milestone in and of itself, complete with stratum (yes, it is larger than the one given at 700 points), free/discounted cruise in a JS, and one or more free dinners at specialty restaurant (depending on whom you choose to believe).

 

Are you sure?

 

Royal Caribbean gives members reaching 1400 points another stratum - one that is much larger than the one presented at 700 points. While perhaps not formally named it is an achievement level or milestone that is formally recognized by Corporate Miami and one that should also be recognized aboard ship.

 

Yes, it is larger than the 700-point milestone, as is the 2100-point stratum larger and a different shape than the 1400-point milestone stratum.

Edited February 2, 2016 by travelgoddess1