Free Pinnacle Cruise - Urban Myth dispelled?

[John&LaLa]

These were my sentiments exactly. till we got to about 600 points. When you see the goal on the horizon. It became a quest for us. We did a 10 nighter in 2 connecting inside cabins (my wife still likes this idea). Did a couple of JS's .

We had it all planned to make it on the Presidents cruise 2018. But Royal found 4 points they had overlooked. And that would have had us making it in Sept on the Oasis. A few people told us to try to make it on a smaller ship (more attention). So we made it on the Rhapsody Apr 27, 2018.

We were treated great and with us on that cruise was Super Mario. We were honored when he agreed to get in the picture with us. The newest Pinnacles and the highest in one photo.

Mario explained to us that back when they changed the points, and started Pinnacle that there was no fanfare whatsoever. And that for a while they were giving him Gold member status. They had to knock on the door to get in the lounge (isn't Royal's IT dept "special")

We are now packing to go on our prime "free" casino cruise. Harmony Saturday 07/07 then our "free" Pinnacle cruise Oasis 07/15

 

Club Royale, or whatever it's called now, doesn't seem to want to give Laura a free cruise even though she's Prime. Still waiting on a better explanation. Have your name tags arrived yet?

[John&LaLa]

I have to ask, why when you make pinnacle do people still chase points? I know that when we get their we will have taken 117 cruises to get to that point based on current projections. Over the years we have seen people booking alone, staying in separate cabins and such just for the points. I know that pinnacle is nice but are the perks worth spending all the extra money to achieve it.

 

That is kind of what I thought. The free bottles of wine at dinner are nice, but don't see a lot more in it when we reach pinnacle. Or at least not enough to spend extra money just for the points. Would rather do 2 cruises than one in a JS or above. Guess that is why it will take us so long to reach it.

 

Let me elaborate on my answer from earlier.

We are still accumulating points because we choose to cruise on Royal. Often because it is within our budget, and often to go on some interesting voyages. In 2018 that includes Singapore, Phuket, Dubai, Petra, and Jerusalem so far and Copenhagen, St Petersburg, Stockholm, and the Canaries still to come. I hardly consider that chasing points.

 

We/Laura took 56 cruises and 361 butts in the bunk to get to the magical 700 points. I guess they could have called it the 700 Club, but that name was already taken. We/Laura sailed in almost every category of cabin. Insides, OV, Neighborhood balcony, OV balcony, JS, GS, RS. And it cost less than the 6 figure amount many speak of. It was pretty close though.

 

Laura took solo cruises before there were any bonus points given. She had more vacation than I did. It's a good vacation for a solo traveler. Sometimes she went with girlfriends.

 

3 times we got separate cabins, we still have one booked that way next year. If the pricing is right, it can be done for almost no extra money. Especially once you pass the 340 point level. Check it out for yourself. Unfortunately you will have to call to get 150% pricing. It will show up that way once you hit PC. Maybe a few weeks after. ;)

 

Cabin choice and the reason to do so is up to ones individual needs and budget. The JS cabin is quite nice and worth the money to us on occasion. Did the GS three times. Twice were free upgrades, and the other was our 25th Anniversary in the Med. the RS was our retirement cruise on Serenade.

 

The game changed for us when they put CK on Oasis. We just happened to be in a JS in April of 2015 and had dinner there 4 times. That's when we decided to start accelerating our booking schedule. Especially since oasis was coming to our new home town more or less. And since the JS gave you access, we booked a lot in the fall of 2017. Lucky enough to get same cabin for 7 weeks.

 

As far as benefits, it's a lot more than wine at dinner, especially on Oasis.

Breakfast and lunch is where CK shines. Dinner is great on a couple of nights, OK on a few and lousy on a few. Luckily there are lots of choices. The SL is nice for beer and wine almost all day. Priority at the security lines getting on and the Red tags for departure are a lifesaver if you hate lines. Free internet all week is pretty cool. Access to Barefoot Beach and Labadee is awesome. Not sure about Cocoa Cay yet, hopefully something is in the works.

 

Since turning PC we've earned either 147 or 154 points depending on the outcome of my original post here. And another 70 or so reserved, most of them paid for now. But were not chasing anything. Thinking about Oceania for 2019. They seem to have some nice 10 day trips out of Miami.

[rt1092]

Club Royale, or whatever it's called now, doesn't seem to want to give Laura a free cruise even though she's Prime. Still waiting on a better explanation. Have your name tags arrived yet?

I just called they, never sent an email. I explained that I knew we were prime because they put a letter in our room (Rhapsody 04/22) stating so. They had us both in the system but couldn't find the "free" certificate. It too a while on the phone. But I got it straightened out.

I booked the Harmony 07/07/18 for one of our cruises and Oasis 3/17/19 for the other.

Booked the cheapest "available" inside cabin, which turned out to be Central Park Views. I upgraded the Harmony for $700 (wife's birthday cruise) to a WS and were assigned a GS. The March cruise we will probably stay where we are. The price was right.

I would call CR and explain that you only have till March 31, 2019 to sail on your free cruise. Ask to talk to a supervisor. And tell them that they have already used up used up 3 months of your year.

We received the Stratus, and free cruise certificate in about a week after sailing. No badges or luggage tags. I called C&A and they said it would take up to 8 weeks to get them. They came in 4 weeks. The only thing we haven't received was the Crystal block for the 70 th night at sea. They said it could take up to 8 weeks. So I'll start to bug them if it isn't here by the time we get back.

[John&LaLa]

I just called they, never sent an email. I explained that I knew we were prime because they put a letter in our room (Rhapsody 04/22) stating so. They had us both in the system but couldn't find the "free" certificate. It too a while on the phone. But I got it straightened out.

I booked the Harmony 07/07/18 for one of our cruises and Oasis 3/17/19 for the other.

Booked the cheapest "available" inside cabin, which turned out to be Central Park Views. I upgraded the Harmony for $700 (wife's birthday cruise) to a WS and were assigned a GS. The March cruise we will probably stay where we are. The price was right.

I would call CR and explain that you only have till March 31, 2019 to sail on your free cruise. Ask to talk to a supervisor. And tell them that they have already used up used up 3 months of your year.

We received the Stratus, and free cruise certificate in about a week after sailing. No badges or luggage tags. I called C&A and they said it would take up to 8 weeks to get them. They came in 4 weeks. The only thing we haven't received was the Crystal block for the 70 th night at sea. They said it could take up to 8 weeks. So I'll start to bug them if it isn't here by the time we get back.

Thanks, I'll try again. We got out block on ship

 

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[cruisenfever]

I have to ask, why when you make pinnacle do people still chase points? I know that when we get their we will have taken 117 cruises to get to that point based on current projections. Over the years we have seen people booking alone, staying in separate cabins and such just for the points. I know that pinnacle is nice but are the perks worth spending all the extra money to achieve it.

Not really, however once you have earned your 700th point, you earn $2400 (lowest balcony cabin) towards a future cruise. When you reach 1050 you earn another free cruise value of $2400. Once you reach 1400 points the free cruise value increases to $3200 (lowest JS cabin) and remains that way for every 350 points earned thereafter. You still have to pay taxes and fees and prepaid gratuities.

 

 

You can also use your credits to upgrade to a higher cabin category. You can use the free cruise towards any length of cruise, not just a 7 day cruise. The only blackout dates are: not valid on a ship for their first 365 days in service and Christmas and New Year's cruises.

 

 

For some PC Members earning a free cruise is very important.

[John&LaLa]

Not really, however once you have earned your 700th point, you earn $2400 (lowest balcony cabin) towards a future cruise. When you reach 1050 you earn another free cruise value of $2400. Once you reach 1400 points the free cruise value increases to $3200 (lowest JS cabin) and remains that way for every 350 points earned thereafter. You still have to pay taxes and fees and prepaid gratuities.

 

 

You can also use your credits to upgrade to a higher cabin category. You can use the free cruise towards any length of cruise, not just a 7 day cruise. The only blackout dates are: not valid on a ship for their first 365 days in service and Christmas and New Year's cruises.

 

 

For some PC Members earning a free cruise is very important.

Patti, I'm not sure its lowest balcony anymore. They let us have on of the spacious balconies on Oasis. Neighborhood and std OV Balconies were cheaper.

 

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[John&LaLa]

That is kind of what I thought. The free bottles of wine at dinner are nice, but don't see a lot more in it when we reach pinnacle. Or at least not enough to spend extra money just for the points. Would rather do 2 cruises than one in a JS or above. Guess that is why it will take us so long to reach it.

Forgot to add two things.

 

PC does not get any more wine bottles than a D+ with 525 points.

 

And, another valuable perk for PC on the big ships is no reservations needed except comedy club. I will make reservations, but can change my mind and go when I want. Plus generally good seats available

 

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[Blizzard54]

Are show booked on the Ovation or is that only on the Oasis class?

[Clarea]

Are show booked on the Ovation or is that only on the Oasis class?

Both Quantum and Oasis class ships have pre-cruise show reservations.

[CarpeCerevisi]

Patti, I'm not sure its lowest balcony anymore. They let us have on of the spacious balconies on Oasis. Neighborhood and std OV Balconies were cheaper.

 

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The certificate says lowest available balcony. I assume this to be the lowest available at time of booking.

 

 

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[rt1092]

The certificate says lowest available balcony. I assume this to be the lowest available at time of booking.

 

 

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The certificate says lowest available balcony. But when I booked it I took a D1 balcony. Then asked to upgrade to a JS. They allowed $2400 off the WS price.

They did require the taxes, port fees, and the gratuities be paid when booking.

[John&LaLa]

The certificate says lowest available balcony. I assume this to be the lowest available at time of booking.

 

 

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Just sharing my experience

 

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[John&LaLa]

The certificate says lowest available balcony. But when I booked it I took a D1 balcony. Then asked to upgrade to a JS. They allowed $2400 off the WS price.

They did require the taxes, port fees, and the gratuities be paid when booking.

What ship?

 

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[ONECRUISER]

Just sharing my experience

 

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Any small print related to Royal should say, "Your experience may vary"

[ONECRUISER]

Let me elaborate on my answer from earlier.

We are still accumulating points because we choose to cruise on Royal. Often because it is within our budget, and often to go on some interesting voyages. In 2018 that includes Singapore, Phuket, Dubai, Petra, and Jerusalem so far and Copenhagen, St Petersburg, Stockholm, and the Canaries still to come. I hardly consider that chasing points.

 

We/Laura took 56 cruises and 361 butts in the bunk to get to the magical 700 points. I guess they could have called it the 700 Club, but that name was already taken. We/Laura sailed in almost every category of cabin. Insides, OV, Neighborhood balcony, OV balcony, JS, GS, RS. And it cost less than the 6 figure amount many speak of. It was pretty close though.

 

Laura took solo cruises before there were any bonus points given. She had more vacation than I did. It's a good vacation for a solo traveler. Sometimes she went with girlfriends.

 

3 times we got separate cabins, we still have one booked that way next year. If the pricing is right, it can be done for almost no extra money. Especially once you pass the 340 point level. Check it out for yourself. Unfortunately you will have to call to get 150% pricing. It will show up that way once you hit PC. Maybe a few weeks after. ;)

 

Cabin choice and the reason to do so is up to ones individual needs and budget. The JS cabin is quite nice and worth the money to us on occasion. Did the GS three times. Twice were free upgrades, and the other was our 25th Anniversary in the Med. the RS was our retirement cruise on Serenade.

 

The game changed for us when they put CK on Oasis. We just happened to be in a JS in April of 2015 and had dinner there 4 times. That's when we decided to start accelerating our booking schedule. Especially since oasis was coming to our new home town more or less. And since the JS gave you access, we booked a lot in the fall of 2017. Lucky enough to get same cabin for 7 weeks.

 

As far as benefits, it's a lot more than wine at dinner, especially on Oasis.

Breakfast and lunch is where CK shines. Dinner is great on a couple of nights, OK on a few and lousy on a few. Luckily there are lots of choices. The SL is nice for beer and wine almost all day. Priority at the security lines getting on and the Red tags for departure are a lifesaver if you hate lines. Free internet all week is pretty cool. Access to Barefoot Beach and Labadee is awesome. Not sure about Cocoa Cay yet, hopefully something is in the works.

 

Since turning PC we've earned either 147 or 154 points depending on the outcome of my original post here. And another 70 or so reserved, most of them paid for now. But were not chasing anything. Thinking about Oceania for 2019. They seem to have some nice 10 day trips out of Miami.

Well said. Cruised for 12 years, made Diamond before had my first Balcony or sailed Solo.

[heatherb1958]

:D

Let me elaborate on my answer from earlier.

We are still accumulating points because we choose to cruise on Royal. Often because it is within our budget, and often to go on some interesting voyages. In 2018 that includes Singapore, Phuket, Dubai, Petra, and Jerusalem so far and Copenhagen, St Petersburg, Stockholm, and the Canaries still to come. I hardly consider that chasing points.

 

We/Laura took 56 cruises and 361 butts in the bunk to get to the magical 700 points. I guess they could have called it the 700 Club, but that name was already taken. We/Laura sailed in almost every category of cabin. Insides, OV, Neighborhood balcony, OV balcony, JS, GS, RS. And it cost less than the 6 figure amount many speak of. It was pretty close though.

 

Laura took solo cruises before there were any bonus points given. She had more vacation than I did. It's a good vacation for a solo traveler. Sometimes she went with girlfriends.

 

3 times we got separate cabins, we still have one booked that way next year. If the pricing is right, it can be done for almost no extra money. Especially once you pass the 340 point level. Check it out for yourself. Unfortunately you will have to call to get 150% pricing. It will show up that way once you hit PC. Maybe a few weeks after. ;)

 

Cabin choice and the reason to do so is up to ones individual needs and budget. The JS cabin is quite nice and worth the money to us on occasion. Did the GS three times. Twice were free upgrades, and the other was our 25th Anniversary in the Med. the RS was our retirement cruise on Serenade.

 

The game changed for us when they put CK on Oasis. We just happened to be in a JS in April of 2015 and had dinner there 4 times. That's when we decided to start accelerating our booking schedule. Especially since oasis was coming to our new home town more or less. And since the JS gave you access, we booked a lot in the fall of 2017. Lucky enough to get same cabin for 7 weeks.

 

As far as benefits, it's a lot more than wine at dinner, especially on Oasis.

Breakfast and lunch is where CK shines. Dinner is great on a couple of nights, OK on a few and lousy on a few. Luckily there are lots of choices. The SL is nice for beer and wine almost all day. Priority at the security lines getting on and the Red tags for departure are a lifesaver if you hate lines. Free internet all week is pretty cool. Access to Barefoot Beach and Labadee is awesome. Not sure about Cocoa Cay yet, hopefully something is in the works.

 

Since turning PC we've earned either 147 or 154 points depending on the outcome of my original post here. And another 70 or so reserved, most of them paid for now. But were not chasing anything. Thinking about Oceania for 2019. They seem to have some nice 10 day trips out of Miami.

 

I will agree that on Oasis class Pinnacle perks are worth having . We dropped lucky in our planning that DH has a significant birthday on Allure , looking forward to CK , Suite sundeck , happy bunnies all round .

In Europe we only have , at the moment , Oasis class in the summer months and that is only because they are built over here and have a season to iron out any faults and then the ships come back occasionally for drydock.

What we think is very sad is the Ps that phone C&A to see if they are going to be the top cruiser on their sailing and if they aren’t switch their cruise, for what?, a cheap bottle of champagne and maybe a photo with the officers.

We now love MSC Cruises because they don’t do the ‘top cruiser’ fanfare palaver thing, who cares who has spent most time at sea or for those who travelled in suites the most money . I am sure they don’t have members of the Voyagers club ringing up asking if they are going to have the highest number of points on their sailing. Rant over .

[John&LaLa]

Any small print related to Royal should say, "Your experience may vary"

As Carol says, Your Mileage May Vary.

 

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[John&LaLa]

:D

 

I will agree that on Oasis class Pinnacle perks are worth having . We dropped lucky in our planning that DH has a significant birthday on Allure , looking forward to CK , Suite sundeck , happy bunnies all round .

In Europe we only have , at the moment , Oasis class in the summer months and that is only because they are built over here and have a season to iron out any faults and then the ships come back occasionally for drydock.

What we think is very sad is the Ps that phone C&A to see if they are going to be the top cruiser on their sailing and if they aren’t switch their cruise, for what?, a cheap bottle of champagne and maybe a photo with the officers.

We now love MSC Cruises because they don’t do the ‘top cruiser’ fanfare palaver thing, who cares who has spent most time at sea or for those who travelled in suites the most money . I am sure they don’t have members of the Voyagers club ringing up asking if they are going to have the highest number of points on their sailing. Rant over .

I never heard of that, but you are correct that is sad.

 

No plans to try MSC yet. Our status match still has another year. If we branch out, it will be for something more upscale. I am hoping to do a Silver Seas cruise that stops in Dutch Harbor. Maybe 2020 or so. Laura's mother grew up there.

 

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[CarpeCerevisi]

I must say that they did things nicely on Oasis when I was on my 700 point cruise. In my case the cruise got me to exactly 700 points, besides the Top Tier event recognition, I was also invited to the lunch for all Pinnacles on board and I had dinner in Chops with the Captain, the Hotel Director, and another officer whose title I don’t remember. Oh, and the cheap bottle of “Champagne”.[emoji846]

 

 

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[rt1092]

What ship?

 

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Any 7 night Caribbean.

[John&LaLa]

Any 7 night Caribbean.

 

I meant which ship did you decide on.

[John&LaLa]

The certificate says lowest available balcony. But when I booked it I took a D1 balcony. Then asked to upgrade to a JS. They allowed $2400 off the WS price.

They did require the taxes, port fees, and the gratuities be paid when booking.

 

From the website.

 

Offer applies to 1) up to balcony stateroom categories on up to 7-night Caribbean sailings or $2,400 towards the purchase of a cruise at 700 or 1050 Cruise Points

[MindyJohn]

Not earned since its not set in stone. They just happen on occasion. And no guarantee you get the invite

 

Any thoughts on the BOA credit card cruise?

 

Also what is the longest it's taken for Royal to claw back the extra points?

 

 

 

Q

 

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I finally got tired of all the gyrations required to maximize the value of BOA points and resigned myself to redeeming the large balance I once had for OBC which I usually cash out. Not what I planned when I first got the card which is why I now use better options.

 

As for the longest it might take for them to "claw back" points, I recently lost 10 which were mistakenly awarded to me in 2012[emoji39]

 

 

 

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[John&LaLa]

I finally got tired of all the gyrations required to maximize the value of BOA points and resigned myself to redeeming the large balance I once had for OBC which I usually cash out. Not what I planned when I first got the card which is why I now use better options.

 

As for the longest it might take for them to "claw back" points, I recently lost 10 which were mistakenly awarded to me in 2012[emoji39]

 

 

 

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I'm still waiting to hear from a recent Pinnacle who didn't upgrade to a JS.

 

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[John&LaLa]

I still have those 7 points from the free cruise. :halo: