Increase in Diamond & above members

[Baron Barracuda]

Saw a mention a while back on the Princess board from someone who had encountered folks in their elite lounge who were only on their first or second Princess cruise. Princess had bestowed permanent elite status on them for spending a large sum on that sailing. At least Royal doesn't do instant diamonds.

[Flatbush Flyer]

Saw a mention a while back on the Princess board from someone who had encountered folks in their elite lounge who were only on their first or second Princess cruise. Princess had bestowed permanent elite status on them for spending a large sum on that sailing. At least Royal doesn't do instant diamonds.

 

 

 

Perhaps only "as far as you know."

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[grapau27]

I don't know but the BOGO coupon on a can of Coke they gave me on our last cruise adds up ;p

But no matterwhat it costs them it is sure to keep me loyal ;)

 

dp

The perks certainly swing our decision.

[yuvraj]

Interesting thread.

 

I have had Diamond status for quite a while. Not a big deal, definitely didn't chase points to reach that status and I don't see what the fuss is about. I really don't care how many Diamonds are on board and to date it has never affected my own cruise experience. If the Diamond lounge is too busy, I simply don't go there.

 

Looks like some who have reached D or higher are getting a little possessive about their elite status and privileges. Some who haven't seem to be a little envious and I get a sense that they feel they are missing out. IMO, the perks are really not worth worrying about and definitely not worth chasing.

[grapau27]

Interesting thread.

 

I have had Diamond status for quite a while. Not a big deal, definitely didn't chase points to reach that status and I don't see what the fuss is about. I really don't care how many Diamonds are on board and to date it has never affected my own cruise experience. If the Diamond lounge is too busy, I simply don't go there.

 

Looks like some who have reached D or higher are getting a little possessive about their elite status and privileges. Some who haven't seem to be a little envious and I get a sense that they feel they are missing out. IMO, the perks are really not worth worrying about and definitely not worth chasing.

I personally like the DL.

We like popping in during the day for a coffee and hot chocolate when it is quiet and on a night time for a few free drinks and some chocolate coated strawberries.

The priority boarding,free photos,free drinks in the cabin and internet if we want it plus discount on RC merchandise in the shops and many more perks are appreciated by us.

[Milwaukee Eight]

I still say Status levels should be set by $$$ spent with Royal (cabin, excursions, Drink Package, Casino, Speciality Dining, Spa, wine tastings)

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[grapau27]

I still say Status levels should be set by $$$ spent with Royal (cabin, excursions, Drink Package, Casino, Speciality Dining, Spa, wine tastings)

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

23 RC cruises,22 in balcony or better cabin for us.

Plenty of speciality restaurant visits but we don't gamble so no casino.

I think we have earned D+ status.

[Ocean Boy]

Why are people on these boards fixated on making things harder or having benefits removed? We are the paying consumers and should focus on getting the most value for our dollar possible.

Anytime someone speaks up around here for the benefit of the consumer they are jumped all over by people reminding them that the company is in business to make money and keep its shareholders happy. I am sure many CEO's sleep well at night knowing so many people are looking out for the best interest of the company and they aren't even getting paid multi-millions of dollars a year for their efforts.

[grapau27]

Anytime someone speaks up around here for the benefit of the consumer they are jumped all over by people reminding them that the company is in business to make money and keep its shareholders happy. I am sure many CEO's sleep well at night knowing so many people are looking out for the best interest of the company and they aren't even getting paid multi-millions of dollars a year for their efforts.

Great post and very true.

Some of these executives​ must think passengers are doing their job for them.

[Tatka]

Royal actually did a pretty good job of trying to prevent people from getting to higher statuses.

When they converted from number of cruises to number of days we lost at least 10 points, as all our 9-10 dayers were counted as 7 points each. Now, we will have to have one more 10 dayers to reach Diamond. I hope there will be no reduction in benefits at least.

 

Hey, I can imagine how upset RCCL pax would be if Royal like MSC would match levels for folks from other lines.

[LeesSummitCruiser1]

Royal actually did a pretty good job of trying to prevent people from getting to higher statuses.

When they converted from number of cruises to number of days we lost at least 10 points, as all our 9-10 dayers were counted as 7 points each. Now, we will have to have one more 10 dayers to reach Diamond. I hope there will be no reduction in benefits at least.

 

Hey, I can imagine how upset RCCL pax would be if Royal like MSC would match levels for folks from other lines.

 

Well I got some of yours because my 2 3 day cruises converted to 7 points each.

[grapau27]

Royal actually did a pretty good job of trying to prevent people from getting to higher statuses.

When they converted from number of cruises to number of days we lost at least 10 points, as all our 9-10 dayers were counted as 7 points each. Now, we will have to have one more 10 dayers to reach Diamond. I hope there will be no reduction in benefits at least.

 

Hey, I can imagine how upset RCCL pax would be if Royal like MSC would match levels for folks from other lines.

The whole ship would be a DL if they did that.

[Tatka]

Well, I am happy for you.

Just a bit upset about our deal. I was never concerned about statuses, otherwise we would sail with the same companies, rather than using all 8, but Diamond status provides some great benefits

[island lady]

We’re late in life cruisers being 65 years old and only took our first cruise in July 2016, due to the fact that we had a 40 ft motorhome and did all our touring/vacationing in it. We finally decided to sell the coach and start cruising. It’s really nice to let someone else drive for a while.

I’ve developed this obsession of reaching Diamond before it possibly gets pushed farther out of reach based on all the changes that seem to be taking place, so we’ve jumped on the fast track and have been booking Junior Suites and one GS. Only 11 more points until we can join you guys in the DL! I hope there’ll be room for two more.....

 

Always room for more!! Welcome! :)

 

BTW: We still "cruise in the land yacht". We just mix it up, spending the month of November in the Florida Keys, 2 months in the spring on the pretty beaches of the Florida Panhandle, and the whole summer up in Maine.

 

Winter time is our cruising time, and agree....the DH calls it a "real vacation" when we let someone else do the driving and cooking! :cool:

[island lady]

Our three daughters made diamond before age 10 thanks to my sailing history. Today they have enough credits on their own to be diamond, working towards d+. When dd honeymooned on Freedom her husband immediately became diamond even though he had never previously cruised.

 

My sister's new husband cruised as a Diamond on his very first RCI cruise. ;)

[George C]

:DI got to diamond about 10 years ago the old fashion way, inside then outside then balcony cabins , then did a bunch of Hal and Princess cruises, then discovered Grand suites, currently at 170 points and will get 18 for my GS on navigator in exactly 2 weeks to make me diamond plus

[island lady]

Both my kids are Gold. [emoji6]

 

Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Forums mobile app

 

Including Bella? :D

[island lady]

Nope, I spend far more time in the Schooner bar than I do in the DL. So you will just have to put up with me being there.:D

 

Back when EX did not have a DL, and the CL was in that tiny inside lounge with no windows. :( So we simply enjoyed our 3 drink vouchers every night at the beautifully open VCL at the revolving bar. Great views! :D

[island lady]

That would be funny then when you walk into the DL i bet you get some strange looks.lol

 

Usually by then, everybody knows Bucky....He is very outgoing! ;):cool:

[MAS2017]

One reason for the increase could be the regions they now target.

 

When I was booking my last cruise on board the member commented to me as she had seen I’m 33 and reached diamond in less than two years.

 

She explained that a lot of Australians and Europeans are now reaching diamond quicker as we get better leave benefits than Americans.

 

A lot of Americans only get 10 days paid vacation per year. In Australia and Europe the standard is 4-5 weeks paid vacation (law is everyone gets at least 4 weeks per year) and in my job I get two months paid vacation per year. Everyone gets this from day one in the job, where as I believe Americans do get more but over time (correct me if I’m wrong).

 

She said because of this, plus the fact it’s expensive to fly to anywhere from Australia the cruising market has just boomed with a lot of Aussies booking more than one cruise a year and long ones such as 11 day round trip South Pacific Islands, New Zealand etc and the 2 week plus repositioning cruises.

 

As Australia is a relatively new market (only started in the last 10 years) more and more customers now reach diamond quicker and more regularly than before.

 

I’m not sure what the big deal on the status is though, I’ve only used it to get in the quicker line when embarking yet to visit the diamond lounge.

[Tatka]

Well, I and many people in IT who love cruises are now choosing RCCL more often, because of great Voom. It allows to work or semiwork from the ship. I now take my regular 15 days (3 cruises) per year, 1 semiworking between Christmas and New Year, and one during Thanksgiving when I work 1-2 days. :)

[chrisby]

Royal actually did a pretty good job of trying to prevent people from getting to higher statuses.

When they converted from number of cruises to number of days we lost at least 10 points, as all our 9-10 dayers were counted as 7 points each. Now, we will have to have one more 10 dayers to reach Diamond. I hope there will be no reduction in benefits at least.

 

Hey, I can imagine how upset RCCL pax would be if Royal like MSC would match levels for folks from other lines.

We didn't lose anything when they converted our longer cruises, did you call C&A?

 

Sent from my K88 using Forums mobile app

[Coralc]

One reason for the increase could be the regions they now target.

 

When I was booking my last cruise on board the member commented to me as she had seen I’m 33 and reached diamond in less than two years.

 

She explained that a lot of Australians and Europeans are now reaching diamond quicker as we get better leave benefits than Americans.

 

A lot of Americans only get 10 days paid vacation per year. In Australia and Europe the standard is 4-5 weeks paid vacation (law is everyone gets at least 4 weeks per year) and in my job I get two months paid vacation per year. Everyone gets this from day one in the job, where as I believe Americans do get more but over time (correct me if I’m wrong).

 

She said because of this, plus the fact it’s expensive to fly to anywhere from Australia the cruising market has just boomed with a lot of Aussies booking more than one cruise a year and long ones such as 11 day round trip South Pacific Islands, New Zealand etc and the 2 week plus repositioning cruises.

 

As Australia is a relatively new market (only started in the last 10 years) more and more customers now reach diamond quicker and more regularly than before.

 

I’m not sure what the big deal on the status is though, I’ve only used it to get in the quicker line when embarking yet to visit the diamond lounge.

 

This is absolutely true and interesting. :) My husband just started a new job and had to get permission for our one week cruise that was already booked for December. I don't know if he will be paid for the time or not.

 

I just moved our 2 week transatlantic cruise next year to a 1 week cruise in 2019 because of his vacation limitations.

 

I get about 32 vacation days a year, which is about 6 weeks. But it is nowhere near what you get in Australia and nothing like the long service benefits that you receive.

 

I just have a few more years, and I will be always on vacation. :D:D

[John&LaLa]

Same with our house. Laura had 6 weeks and I had between 2 & 3. That's why she cruised solo.

 

Now she just likes it. 😉

 

Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Forums mobile app

[Merion_Mom]

Back when EX did not have a DL, and the CL was in that tiny inside lounge with no windows. :( So we simply enjoyed our 3 drink vouchers every night at the beautifully open VCL at the revolving bar. Great views! :D

The Explorer does not have a revolving bar.