yogimax Posted December 25, 2019 #1 Share Posted December 25, 2019 We are Diamond Plus with almost 500 points. I know some have reported the CL closed to D+ on Rhapsody. So yesterday RCCL delivered a Christmas surprise by email. (Good timing RCCL). We were told we would be banned from the CL for our January 11th cruise. This was followed by some nonsense about areas to be opened for Happy Hour and a new "benefit" to a free non-alcoholic coffee loaded on the sea pass card. As I read my D+ benefits, it clearly states that D+ have access to the CL. If I were a lawyer (I'm not), I would think a good case could be made that this action violates the rights of D+. Being banished to the Viking Crown Lounge isn't all that bad with the great views but it does make more difficult, because of the seating, the opportunities to make new friends. In the past, we have made countless new friends in the lounge and this will now become more difficult. Over the past few years, D's, P's and suities have not lost much. Indeed, some have gained. Not so for D+, who seem to be the forgotten members of Crown and Anchor! 1 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merion_Mom Posted December 25, 2019 #2 Share Posted December 25, 2019 7 minutes ago, yogimax said: We are Diamond Plus with almost 500 points. I know some have reported the CL closed to D+ on Rhapsody. So yesterday RCCL delivered a Christmas surprise by email. (Good timing RCCL). We were told we would be banned from the CL for our January 11th cruise. This was followed by some nonsense about areas to be opened for Happy Hour and a new "benefit" to a free non-alcoholic coffee loaded on the sea pass card. As I read my D+ benefits, it clearly states that D+ have access to the CL. If I were a lawyer (I'm not), I would think a good case could be made that this action violates the rights of D+. Being banished to the Viking Crown Lounge isn't all that bad with the great views but it does make more difficult, because of the seating, the opportunities to make new friends. In the past, we have made countless new friends in the lounge and this will now become more difficult. Over the past few years, D's, P's and suities have not lost much. Indeed, some have gained. Not so for D+, who seem to be the forgotten members of Crown and Anchor! You are going to be merged into the large thread already going on this topic. It's just not news any more. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grapau27 Posted December 25, 2019 #3 Share Posted December 25, 2019 (edited) 1 hour ago, yogimax said: We are Diamond Plus with almost 500 points. I know some have reported the CL closed to D+ on Rhapsody. So yesterday RCCL delivered a Christmas surprise by email. (Good timing RCCL). We were told we would be banned from the CL for our January 11th cruise. This was followed by some nonsense about areas to be opened for Happy Hour and a new "benefit" to a free non-alcoholic coffee loaded on the sea pass card. As I read my D+ benefits, it clearly states that D+ have access to the CL. If I were a lawyer (I'm not), I would think a good case could be made that this action violates the rights of D+. Being banished to the Viking Crown Lounge isn't all that bad with the great views but it does make more difficult, because of the seating, the opportunities to make new friends. In the past, we have made countless new friends in the lounge and this will now become more difficult. Over the past few years, D's, P's and suities have not lost much. Indeed, some have gained. Not so for D+, who seem to be the forgotten members of Crown and Anchor! Thanks for reporting. If they are expecting large numbers of P and D+ and they should have told you this in the email you are probably better off getting a seat elsewhere. If this is not the case as D+ you should have your usual entrance to the CL and if they still prevent you access you have options including email to MBayley,bad review or even stopping gratuities and telling the Hotel Director why. I emailed MBayley on board Explorer praising our waiter's and got a reply the next day. Edited December 25, 2019 by grapau27 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ourusualbeach Posted December 25, 2019 #4 Share Posted December 25, 2019 4 minutes ago, grapau27 said: even stopping gratuities and telling the Hotel Director why. Why would you penalize the dining and housekeeping staff over something that they had no control over? 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grapau27 Posted December 25, 2019 #5 Share Posted December 25, 2019 (edited) 24 minutes ago, Ourusualbeach said: Why would you penalize the dining and housekeeping staff over something that they had no control over? As a very pro tipper I personally would be reluctant to use that threat to the hotel director. Edited December 25, 2019 by grapau27 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Retired LEO Posted December 25, 2019 #6 Share Posted December 25, 2019 1 hour ago, Merion_Mom said: You are going to be merged into the large thread already going on this topic. It's just not news any more. That thread was locked yesterday and this one is already heading in that direction 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yogimax Posted December 25, 2019 Author #7 Share Posted December 25, 2019 7 minutes ago, Ourusualbeach said: Why would you penalize the dining and housekeeping staff over something that they had no control over? Precisely! Dining and housekeeping have nothing to do with this. It just seems there is a contradiction between the email and the stated benefits of D+ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yogimax Posted December 25, 2019 Author #8 Share Posted December 25, 2019 1 minute ago, Retired LEO said: That thread was locked yesterday and this one is already heading in that direction Why? How is it a violation of board rules? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grapau27 Posted December 25, 2019 #9 Share Posted December 25, 2019 Just now, yogimax said: Precisely! Dining and housekeeping have nothing to do with this. It just seems there is a contradiction between the email and the stated benefits of D+ Did they give you a reason why you were banned?. Personally we would never stand in a loyalty lounge and just use our 3 free drinks elsewhere. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yogimax Posted December 25, 2019 Author #10 Share Posted December 25, 2019 8 minutes ago, grapau27 said: Did they give you a reason why you were banned?. Personally we would never stand in a loyalty lounge and just use our 3 free drinks elsewhere. Too many D, D+, P onboard. That still doesn't speak to the right of access D+ have to the CL. The CL's, in general, tend to clear out at 6PM when folks go to early dining. If we see there is standing room at 5PM, we also leave and come back at 6PM. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grapau27 Posted December 25, 2019 #11 Share Posted December 25, 2019 (edited) 22 minutes ago, yogimax said: Too many D, D+, P onboard. That still doesn't speak to the right of access D+ have to the CL. The CL's, in general, tend to clear out at 6PM when folks go to early dining. If we see there is standing room at 5PM, we also leave and come back at 6PM. With CLs being turned into cabins at refits and SLs introduced elsewhere on board it looks like we D+ will see this happening on a regular basis. Personally we recently had a 15 night Hawaiian cruise on Grand Princess(11-18) as Elite loyalty and the food and especially the service in bars was far superior to our recent RCCL cruises. Our next cruise is a 14 nighter on P&O. Edited December 25, 2019 by grapau27 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Retired LEO Posted December 25, 2019 #12 Share Posted December 25, 2019 11 minutes ago, yogimax said: Too many D, D+, P onboard. That still doesn't speak to the right of access D+ have to the CL. The CL's, in general, tend to clear out at 6PM when folks go to early dining. If we see there is standing room at 5PM, we also leave and come back at 6PM. Their ships, their rules. They have the right to change the terms and condition of benefits at any time without notice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grapau27 Posted December 25, 2019 #13 Share Posted December 25, 2019 1 minute ago, Retired LEO said: Their ships, their rules. They have the right to change the terms and condition of benefits at any time without notice. That is absolutely correct and as I posted in my last post we have the right to take our business elsewhere without notice. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yogimax Posted December 25, 2019 Author #14 Share Posted December 25, 2019 11 minutes ago, Retired LEO said: Their ships, their rules. They have the right to change the terms and condition of benefits at any time without notice. Our money, Our loyalty. We have the right to protest when a stated benefit is removed. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beardedladies Posted December 25, 2019 #15 Share Posted December 25, 2019 (edited) It always makes me chuckle when people start talking about their rights with regards to C&A benefits and then invoke lawyers. Small print pretty much means you’re guaranteed nothing. A good policy I find is to book if you want to do the cruise - any benefits for C&A are a bonus you can’t rely on. Edited December 25, 2019 by beardedladies 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hogbay Posted December 25, 2019 #16 Share Posted December 25, 2019 Is it reasonable to expect the suite guest to have standing room only or not be able to get into CL and have no other choice ? 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merion_Mom Posted December 25, 2019 #17 Share Posted December 25, 2019 56 minutes ago, Retired LEO said: That thread was locked yesterday and this one is already heading in that direction Oh! Thanks for that update, Ray. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hogbay Posted December 25, 2019 #18 Share Posted December 25, 2019 2 hours ago, Merion_Mom said: You are going to be merged into the large thread already going on this topic. It's just not news any more. It's made the HOT list uhh 🙄 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darthvadrouw Posted December 25, 2019 #19 Share Posted December 25, 2019 https://dlxffu6hwewxp.cloudfront.net/cas/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/CAS_Member_Benefits_Grid_APRIL-2019.pdfGeneral Terms & ConditionsRoyal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. has the right to terminate the Crown & Anchor Society® Program ("the Program") or to change the Terms and Conditions of participation and benefits, in whole or in part; at any time without notice. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merion_Mom Posted December 25, 2019 #20 Share Posted December 25, 2019 The complaint here is that D+ now have one lounge to patronize instead of two. Doesn't sound like a life-altering, pain-inducing situation to me. 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare John&LaLa Posted December 25, 2019 #21 Share Posted December 25, 2019 2 hours ago, yogimax said: We are Diamond Plus with almost 500 points. I know some have reported the CL closed to D+ on Rhapsody. So yesterday RCCL delivered a Christmas surprise by email. (Good timing RCCL). We were told we would be banned from the CL for our January 11th cruise. This was followed by some nonsense about areas to be opened for Happy Hour and a new "benefit" to a free non-alcoholic coffee loaded on the sea pass card. As I read my D+ benefits, it clearly states that D+ have access to the CL. If I were a lawyer (I'm not), I would think a good case could be made that this action violates the rights of D+. Being banished to the Viking Crown Lounge isn't all that bad with the great views but it does make more difficult, because of the seating, the opportunities to make new friends. In the past, we have made countless new friends in the lounge and this will now become more difficult. Over the past few years, D's, P's and suities have not lost much. Indeed, some have gained. Not so for D+, who seem to be the forgotten members of Crown and Anchor! Can you post the letter? Can you also expand on whst D+ have lost Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merion_Mom Posted December 25, 2019 #22 Share Posted December 25, 2019 10 minutes ago, John&LaLa said: Can you post the letter? Can you also expand on whst D+ have lost John, you know that it is the same letter that was posted already, and you saw in the now-closed thread. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merion_Mom Posted December 25, 2019 #23 Share Posted December 25, 2019 Different ship, but same letter sent to all. As you may know, this sailing is quite popular among our Crown & Anchor Society and as a result, our staff is making enhancements to accommodate you. During your cruise, the Nightly Happy Hour will expand to include both the Diamond Lounge and the Music Hall, located on Deck 4. Please be aware that lounges are subject to change. As always, three (3) drink vouchers will be loaded on your SeaPass card for use at the bars and lounges throughout the ship during happy hour times. Diamond Lounge & Music Hall Concierge Lounge Deck 4 Deck 12 Diamond, Diamond Plus, and Pinnacle Club Pinnacle Club and Grand Suites & above Additionally, we understand with more top tier members than usual, the rush for morning coffee can become hectic. To alleviate some of the wait, we are loading one (1) specialty non-alcoholic coffee voucher per day onto your SeaPass card. You can enjoy a delicious Americano, Espresso, Latte or Cappuccino. Once onboard, please check your Welcome Letter or visit your Concierge for additional information. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Milwaukee Eight Posted December 25, 2019 #24 Share Posted December 25, 2019 2 hours ago, Merion_Mom said: You are going to be merged into the large thread already going on this topic. It's just not news any more. I think that thread was locked. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grapau27 Posted December 25, 2019 #25 Share Posted December 25, 2019 12 minutes ago, Milwaukee Eight said: I think that thread was locked. Hi Rory. All the best for Xmas and the New Year. I had a heart attack last Wednesday and had a stent fitted in hospital so hopefully I will be fine. It puts things into perspective and the loss of the CL is no big deal. Best Wishes to everyone on here. Graham. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts