RCCL new Diamond Lounge Policy?

[John&LaLa]

I have never been able to get a "voucher drink" in any venue outside of the DL without paying for it. Lots of "nope don't do those here" or when the drink was delivered, so was the bill eith no forewarning that it would cost and when I paid, definitely NO discount. Drink of choice generally Bailey's on ice or spiced rum and diet cola.

 

I have gotten dozens of Bailey's via the voucher program over the years.

 

Schooner Bar

Casino bar

Comedy Club

On Air

Theater

Trellis Bar

Studio B

Champagne Bar

Bolero's

 

Probably a few more

 

Spiced Rum would not qualify

 

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[grapau27]

On this sailing of serenade, first time since making diamond, there was a line that said any drink not on list would be 20% off. Has any one seen that before?

 

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That used to be the case if you wanted beer but to my knowledge it was never implemented.

 

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[grapau27]

I have gotten dozens of Bailey's via the voucher program over the years.

 

Schooner Bar

Casino bar

Comedy Club

On Air

Theater

Trellis Bar

Studio B

Champagne Bar

Bolero's

 

Probably a few more

 

Spiced Rum would not qualify

 

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In other bars we would have a champagne, sauvigon blanc or pinot grigio and never been charged.I have always handed $1 a drink with my card as i didn't want them to lose out on a gratuity on the free drinks.

 

 

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[frank808]

That used to be the case if you wanted beer but to my knowledge it was never implemented.

 

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Have never seen the 20% off till this cruise on serenade. I will post a pic when I get back to the room. We are currently in the theatre waiting for our color to be called to go on an excursion. Hope the mineral baths are nice.

 

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[frank808]

Just back from 10 day Serenade cruise. With over 350 D&D+, total available seating in DL was 34. Long waits for drinks each night as well as almost zero seating. We all asked why the door connecting the Vortex lounge with DL was not opened to create a normal overflow area (this was done each night on this same ship back in 2015 NE cruise).

The diamond concierge said it was "corporate decision to keep this door shut".

I have never experienced such an overcrowded DL in all the cruises we have taken as diamonds. Most others we talked to agreed.

Needless to say, there were a lot of pissed off guests each night. Most of them got so frustrated they left and used their sea pass drinks elsewhere.

Now I don't have a problem with the 3 free sea pass drinks.....however, as diamonds, the DL experience is important for meeting old friends and socializing in your own private lounge. This is what loyal customers pay their money on and expect a consistent corp. policy (providing adequate overflow areas with proper personnel).

Please, chime in diamond members if you have had similar recent DL issues.

I would hate to think corporate is modifying their DL policy to put profit over loyalty.

On serenade what the concierge has done is set up a bar across from the buffet by the walkway into the lounge. They would take orders so you could take drinks out into vortex. It seems to work well in alleviating some of the crowds waiting for drinks.

 

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[molly361]

Someone on the Brilliance right now posted on FB that there is no overflow lounge.

[grapau27]

Someone on the Brilliance right now posted on FB that there is no overflow lounge.

I wonder if corporate with their banning orders for overflow lounges are preparing a plan to make the DL for Pinnacle and D+ only and the SL for suite passengers only and current Diamonds have their 3 drinks for other venues and MDR only during cocktail hours.

 

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[Milwaukee Eight]

I wonder if corporate with their banning orders for overflow lounges are preparing a plan to make the DL for Pinnacle and D+ only and the SL for suite passengers only and current Diamonds have their 3 drinks for other venues and MDR only during cocktail hours.

 

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I heard DL was going to be for D+ over 350 and P’s.

 

I don’t think P’s will be removed from SL, yet. Interested in seeing what happens with SL/CK on Presidents Cruise September Harmony with an overwhelming number of P’s.

 

 

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[LMaxwell]

I heard DL was going to be for D+ over 350 and P’s.

 

In my mind you are either D+ or not D+. I don't think they will fragment out the level like that. That's a major benefit to tell some D+ yes and other D+ no.

[molly361]

In my mind you are either D+ or not D+. I don't think they will fragment out the level like that. That's a major benefit to tell some D+ yes and other D+ no.

 

Unless they give it a new name- I think I like Half Pinn :)

[tugboat]

How about Black Diamond

 

 

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[mafig]

I have gotten dozens of Bailey's via the voucher program over the years.

 

Schooner Bar

Casino bar

Comedy Club

On Air

Theater

Trellis Bar

Studio B

Champagne Bar

Bolero's

 

Probably a few more

 

Spiced Rum would not qualify

 

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what about the Rising Tide Bar?

[cublet]

Hello,

 

Two quickies:

 

I think the VCL will become the DL overflow lounge by default whether RCI like it or not;

I was told that when the C&A levels were revised some years ago, the people responsible were supposed to have put either a new Platinum or Emerald level (whichever one did not already exist) between D+ and Pinnacle but with a 0 (zero) on the end of the current points ie either Platinum at 300 point or Emerald at 550 points. But they got it wrong. I was also told they were shown the exit.

 

Regards,

 

Cublet

[Starry Eyes]

In my mind you are either D+ or not D+. I don't think they will fragment out the level like that. That's a major benefit to tell some D+ yes and other D+ no.

I'm not convinced they are going to turn even D's out of the lounge. If they do, then, like you, I can't imagine them letting some D+ into a lounge while excluding others.

 

OTOH, I can easily imagine giving a name to the 350-699 point category. Then they could easily segregate benefits, even major ones, if they wish. Adding benefits and a special name, like D supreme or D max or whatever, might give some guests more incentive to reach for that new level.

[mafig]

I wonder if corporate with their banning orders for overflow lounges are preparing a plan to make the DL for Pinnacle and D+ only and the SL for suite passengers only and current Diamonds have their 3 drinks for other venues and MDR only during cocktail hours.

 

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Do you think they would bar access during the day also for the Diamonds?

[Clarea]

... I was told that when the C&A levels were revised some years ago, the people responsible were supposed to have put either a new Platinum or Emerald level (whichever one did not already exist) between D+ and Pinnacle but with a 0 (zero) on the end of the current points ie either Platinum at 300 point or Emerald at 550 points. But they got it wrong. I was also told they were shown the exit.

 

Regards,

 

Cublet

FIrst time I've heard that, very interesting.

[Starry Eyes]

what about the Rising Tide Bar?

We have used vouchers for our wine in Rising Tide bar.

[Starry Eyes]

Hello,

 

Two quickies:

 

I think the VCL will become the DL overflow lounge by default whether RCI like it or not;

I was told that when the C&A levels were revised some years ago, the people responsible were supposed to have put either a new Platinum or Emerald level (whichever one did not already exist) between D+ and Pinnacle but with a 0 (zero) on the end of the current points ie either Platinum at 300 point or Emerald at 550 points. But they got it wrong. I was also told they were shown the exit.

 

Regards,

 

Cublet

Emerald was the level they added a few years back. The missing zero story sounds like a tall tale to me. It was not some instant off the cuff addition; planning was involved. Not only was a level named, but benefits were selected for that level, signage was printed, website was updated, etc. furthermore Emeralds cost less than Diamonds, so if one were naming a level above D+, why name it for a less valuable gemstone?

[Milwaukee Eight]

Eliminate the FREE booze. On our Charter cruise, no FREE booze in the DL/CL. That didn’t seem to stop those wanting to visit the DL/CL from visiting. We had a great time and the Lounges had just the right amount of people.

 

No more crowding in the Lounges. Win win for everyone.

 

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[island lady]

Yes Stanmelb and his wife are great fun loving people.

 

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Agree...some of the best! :)

 

We booked our 12/2/18 cruise on Oasis to be able to sail with both John/Sandy and Gary/Mary (cruise wizard). They are all really nice people. Looking forward to it again. :D

[island lady]

Willie did mention he was on enchantment. Do not know how long ago.

 

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It was well before EN left PC. If that is the same person..he indeed was one

of the best! :)

[island lady]

It would be great. Unfortunately after OA leaves Port C, we are booked for 2 HM cruises that have Wonderland instead of the 2 story DL. The DL is on Deck 4 and is small. Will enjoy OA's DL while we have her in Port C.

 

Yeah, I can't imagine squishing all the ever growing Ds along with the D+ inside that one tiny cave like room in the bilge on deck 4. :(

 

Wish we could keep Oasis also. The cruise price for Harmony is way more than Oasis same cabin, same date. :(

[island lady]

I wonder if corporate with their banning orders for overflow lounges are preparing a plan to make the DL for Pinnacle and D+ only and the SL for suite passengers only and current Diamonds have their 3 drinks for other venues and MDR only during cocktail hours.

 

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That's what I have been saying for long time. It's the only thing that would make sense with the crowding problem. Closing the CLs, shrinking the size of the DLs and now...they are eliminating the overflow lounges to the DL....the change is coming. :o Three drink vouchers for the D's, but also add on a couple of specialty coffee vouchers would be nice.

 

I still like the idea of changing the DL name to the new "C&A" lounge that would be Pinnacles and D+. SLs are in place of the CLs...so that could be next?

[island lady]

In my mind you are either D+ or not D+. I don't think they will fragment out the level like that. That's a major benefit to tell some D+ yes and other D+ no.

 

Agree.

[island lady]

Unless they give it a new name- I think I like Half Pinn :)

 

LOL...we have been calling it that for years...but instead..."HAP" or "PIT" ;)