Rare APDMOM Posted February 21, 2016 #1 Share Posted February 21, 2016 We are trying to decide if we want to switch from Norwegian Epic to Freedom of the Seas next spring break. We like sailing out of Port Canaveral (Epic), but if we switch to Freedom (Miami), we will take an 8 day cruise and reach diamond by the end of that sailing. So, please tell me about your favorite diamond perks so that we can decide if it is worth the drive for us :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare LMaxwell Posted February 21, 2016 #2 Share Posted February 21, 2016 My favorite perk is in liquid form. And increases my blood alcohol level. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clarea Posted February 21, 2016 #3 Share Posted February 21, 2016 Balcony discount. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cincicruisers Posted February 21, 2016 #4 Share Posted February 21, 2016 Balcony discount Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GTO-Girl Posted February 21, 2016 #5 Share Posted February 21, 2016 We did not receive our Diamond status until we "completed" our cruise. So now we are about to book our next cruise where we will take advantage of finally being Diamond. Have a wonderful cruise!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
molly361 Posted February 21, 2016 #6 Share Posted February 21, 2016 (edited) Tie between free drinks/balcony discount Edited February 21, 2016 by molly361 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare whitshel Posted February 21, 2016 #7 Share Posted February 21, 2016 Balcony Discount, $225 just about covers all the taxes and fees, so what you see on the 1st screen is what you pay. Oh, and the 3 free drinks is really nice too :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruisinfanatic Posted February 21, 2016 #8 Share Posted February 21, 2016 (edited) We are trying to decide if we want to switch from Norwegian Epic to Freedom of the Seas next spring break. We like sailing out of Port Canaveral (Epic), but if we switch to Freedom (Miami), we will take an 8 day cruise and reach diamond by the end of that sailing. So, please tell me about your favorite diamond perks so that we can decide if it is worth the drive for us :) Freedom is out of Ft Lauderdale Being Diamond gets you a better balcony discount (as well as other perks) and access to the diamond lounge where you'll get free drinks from 4:30 until 8PM. Also you will receive 3 free drinks loaded on your seapass cards to use at any bar except dining room to use during same hrs. Edited February 21, 2016 by SeaUs Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest maddycat Posted February 21, 2016 #9 Share Posted February 21, 2016 It's a tie between the balcony discount and the free drinks during the evening cocktail hours. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare APDMOM Posted February 21, 2016 Author #10 Share Posted February 21, 2016 Thanks for the tips so far! I did not realize the balcony discount is higher than the $100 we get now. That is definitely a great perk! Yes, I also realize we will not enjoy the diamond perks on that cruise, but we can catch diamond status... we will need 8 points at that time, which makes this 8-day itinerary even more attractive. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SRQSally Posted February 21, 2016 #11 Share Posted February 21, 2016 Ditto...balcony discount and free drinks. I think also that Diamond members are shown alittle more courtesy from staff. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dln929 Posted February 21, 2016 #12 Share Posted February 21, 2016 I like what everyone else dies too but I also like the Diamond line at check-in. Diamonds get on the ship so much faster than the first timers! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare APDMOM Posted February 21, 2016 Author #13 Share Posted February 21, 2016 Is there a place on RCI website that shows the details about diamond benefits? I do not see the exact balcony discounts and drinks offered at night. All I find is the list of benefits that says "nightly VIP event", etc. Is this info from FAQ's outdated? I am wondering what other details I am missing... What is the Nightly Diamond VIP Event for Diamond members for ships without a Diamond Lounge? A: Exclusive Nightly Diamond VIP Event will take place from approximately 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm (may vary by ship and itinerary) in a bar or lounge on every ship. This event will be announced by your Loyalty Ambassador onboard in the Welcome letter to be placed in your stateroom on the first day of your cruise vacation. We will offer complimentary wine, champagne (sparkling wine) and soda fountain drinks and a 'happy hour' discount of 25 percent off beer and liquor. There is a limit of one drink per member to be served at one time. http://www.royalcaribbean.com/customersupport/faq/details.do?pagename=frequently_asked_questions&pnav=5&snav=2&faqId=3836&faqSubjectId=340&faqSubjectName=Crown+%26+Anchor+Society&faqType=faq Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clarea Posted February 21, 2016 #14 Share Posted February 21, 2016 Is there a place on RCI website that shows the details about diamond benefits? I do not see the exact balcony discounts and drinks offered at night. All I find is the list of benefits that says "nightly VIP event", etc. Is this info from FAQ's outdated? I am wondering what other details I am missing... What is the Nightly Diamond VIP Event for Diamond members for ships without a Diamond Lounge? A: Exclusive Nightly Diamond VIP Event will take place from approximately 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm (may vary by ship and itinerary) in a bar or lounge on every ship. This event will be announced by your Loyalty Ambassador onboard in the Welcome letter to be placed in your stateroom on the first day of your cruise vacation. We will offer complimentary wine, champagne (sparkling wine) and soda fountain drinks and a 'happy hour' discount of 25 percent off beer and liquor. There is a limit of one drink per member to be served at one time. http://www.royalcaribbean.com/customersupport/faq/details.do?pagename=frequently_asked_questions&pnav=5&snav=2&faqId=3836&faqSubjectId=340&faqSubjectName=Crown+%26+Anchor+Society&faqType=faq Balcony discounts: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2015457 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1ParticularHbr Posted February 21, 2016 #15 Share Posted February 21, 2016 Loyalty has tangible rewards. Our top 3 diamond discounts are 1) Balcony discount - value: $225 2) 3 (or more, if you stay in DL vs using loaded coupons) free drinks per person per night - value $420 (3 @ $10x2x7nights) 3) One free photo per person - value $45.98 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Collector Posted February 21, 2016 #16 Share Posted February 21, 2016 I love the coffee machine in the Diamond lounge Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jules815 Posted February 21, 2016 #17 Share Posted February 21, 2016 Tie between free drinks/balcony discount Agree with Molly. Both are really nice perks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
39august Posted February 21, 2016 #18 Share Posted February 21, 2016 That quote from the website is way out of date. There is no charge for basic mixed drinks in the Diamond lounge. And on most ships you can also get cosmos, lemon drops, bloody marys and usually margaritas(made from mix) and chocolate martinis. This does vary by ship. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare whitshel Posted February 21, 2016 #19 Share Posted February 21, 2016 Although I guess if you are going on the Epic you will have 3 free drinks whenever you want them. (Perk from NCL) But you will be on the ugliest ship at sea :D Something to think about...:rolleyes: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
villager70 Posted February 21, 2016 #20 Share Posted February 21, 2016 Balcony discount, drinks on seapass & diamond lounge. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PCWalton1 Posted February 21, 2016 #21 Share Posted February 21, 2016 Loyalty has tangible rewards. Our top 3 diamond discounts are 1) Balcony discount - value: $225 2) 3 (or more, if you stay in DL vs using loaded coupons) free drinks per person per night - value $420 (3 @ $10x2x7nights) 3) One free photo per person - value $45.98 Those are our favorites too. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blackshirt Posted February 21, 2016 #22 Share Posted February 21, 2016 The Diamond lounge and nightly Diamond event for sure. Our bar bill has dropped significantly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare APDMOM Posted February 21, 2016 Author #23 Share Posted February 21, 2016 Although I guess if you are going on the Epic you will have 3 free drinks whenever you want them. (Perk from NCL) But you will be on the ugliest ship at sea :D Something to think about...:rolleyes: LOL! I told my DH the day we booked that I could not believe we booked the ugly ship. However, at the time it was the best deal. Thanks to everyone for your input! I put a call in to our TA to switch us over. I did not know about these extra perks, or the details. I guess they do not advertise it clearly on the Royal website, so I got the best answers here at CC, as usual. My favorite will probably be the specialty coffee (and maybe an evening sparkling wine or two). :D We may not reap the balcony discount for a while, as we plan on booking more RC cruises before we are eligible for the $225. I hope the new itineraries release with good prices! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnamac123 Posted February 21, 2016 #24 Share Posted February 21, 2016 Freedom is out of Ft LauderdaleBeing Diamond gets you a better balcony discount (as well as other perks) and access to the diamond lounge where you'll get free drinks from 4:30 until 8PM. Also you will receive 3 free drinks loaded on your seapass cards to use at any bar except dining room to use during same hrs. FOS is currently out of Port Canaveral/Orlando. It moves to Port Everglades/FLL November 5th. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tserface Posted February 21, 2016 #25 Share Posted February 21, 2016 We love the Diamond Club and the parties. We also love the coffee machine for the morning. Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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