New "crown lounge" rule

[cruiselvr04]

We had over 100 Pinns on our Panama Canal cruise.  The cheers/ lunch with an officer was huge. It filled one side of the 5th floor dining room.   The D lounge was overflowed into the star quest.  We went only a couple of times.  There were not enough bar staff for so many.  While it’s a nice place to go to chat, I can get my drinks elsewhere and usually never bother the concierge for anything. I can see this change coming.  To Diamonds you’re really not missing out unless you really want a tiny wrapped hotdog.

[nelblu]

51 minutes ago, cruiselvr04 said:

To Diamonds you’re really not missing out unless you really want a tiny wrapped hotdog.

Don't downgrade the offerings.  They had some excellent appetizers on Oasis October sail.  Loved the cheeses, prosciutto and other meat offerings.

Edited October 24, 2023 by nelblu

[cruisegirl1]

On 10/23/2023 at 12:04 PM, grapau27 said:

A possibility might be a new level at 500 points who could join the pinnacle members on a night time in the Crown lounge reverting back to unlimited drinks and improved snacks to encourage attendance by the highest loyalty members.

We are 200 points below this so it would not benefit us.

As I suggested on a previous post the Suite lounge would be for Suite passengers only.

I hope there is not a new level at 500.  That number would not make sense as  the D+ 525 level already has an additional amenity benefit that is the same list as pinnacle. 
 

A level between D+  and Pinnacle is not necessary. The range was created to show extreme loyalty. There already are additional benefits at diamond +350 and diamond +525 levels. 
 

m

 

 

 

 
 

[cruisegirl1]

20 hours ago, RFerrington said:

The cut-off number for Mariner (right now, anyway) is 50 Pinnacles.  Last week there were 50+ so the Pinns were not invited into the SL.  They set up a Pinnacle lounge in the Library and there was also Diamond overflow set up in the VCL.  
 

This week, only 39 Pinns so the Pinns are allowed in the SL.  No separate Pinn lounge nor an overflow Diamond set-up in the VCL.

 

I suspect that each ship is setting up its own parameters -at least for now.

I hope you are enjoying your cruise, 

m

[OCSC Mike]

3 hours ago, cruiselvr04 said:

To Diamonds you’re really not missing out unless you really want a tiny wrapped hotdog.

 

Much better food than that on Wonder in June and on most of my Oasis class cruises. Only Indy last year had terrible snacks.

[doghog]

4 hours ago, cruiselvr04 said:

We had over 100 Pinns on our Panama Canal cruise.  The cheers/ lunch with an officer was huge. It filled one side of the 5th floor dining room.   The D lounge was overflowed into the star quest.  We went only a couple of times.  There were not enough bar staff for so many.  While it’s a nice place to go to chat, I can get my drinks elsewhere and usually never bother the concierge for anything. I can see this change coming.  To Diamonds you’re really not missing out unless you really want a tiny wrapped hotdog.

A great example why I never pay attention to someone's opinion, positive or negative.  🙃

Edited October 25, 2023 by doghog

[FishOn55]

6 hours ago, cruiselvr04 said:

  To Diamonds you’re really not missing out unless you really want a tiny wrapped hotdog.

I don't eat the tiny wrapped hotdogs. What I will miss if the current  access changes is being able to drop by prior to late dinner at 8:00 and mingle with other guests and have a dedicated space where I feel like my loyalty had been recognized.

[RFerrington]

4 hours ago, cruisegirl1 said:

I hope you are enjoying your cruise, 

m

Thank you so much.  We truly are enjoying it.  Not sure why, but the internet is horrible on this trip.  It was so dependable last week !  It keeps dropping.  Not sure what the issue is but if it doesn’t get better by tomorrow I’m going to have to pay the VOOM folks a visit.

 

We’re enjoying the use of the SL this week.  It’s nice to have options.

[grapau27]

8 hours ago, cruisegirl1 said:

I hope there is not a new level at 500.  That number would not make sense as  the D+ 525 level already has an additional amenity benefit that is the same list as pinnacle. 
 

A level between D+  and Pinnacle is not necessary. The range was created to show extreme loyalty. There already are additional benefits at diamond +350 and diamond +525 levels. 
 

m

 

 

 

 
 

I forgot about the 525 level TBH.

I don't like to see any loyalty benefits lost but for us the 5 free drinks of choice each  at any time in most bars/restaurants satisfy us.

The free drinks in our cabin,speciality restaurants BOGO,free photo each, 5 free drinks each day and the free day of internet each are the only D+ benefits we use as we don't use the laundry or casino benefits.

We are top loyalty on Princess and second top loyalty on P&O as we like to cruise a variety of cruise lines.

G

 

Edited October 25, 2023 by grapau27

[deepcman]

On Radiance this week and according to concierge, there's 192 D and D+. Directive this week from corporate is only D+ in CL during HH.

Last week all were permitted and they open lounge to Viking lounge for overflow.

Concierge did say he thinks only D+ only will be the rule moving forward. We shall see.

He also mentioned its no fun dealing with the angry D mob. Lol.

[njkruzer]

32 minutes ago, deepcman said:

On Radiance this week and according to concierge, there's 192 D and D+. Directive this week from corporate is only D+ in CL during HH.

Last week all were permitted and they open lounge to Viking lounge for overflow.

Concierge did say he thinks only D+ only will be the rule moving forward. We shall see.

He also mentioned its no fun dealing with the angry D mob. Lol.

We're D+ and were on for the last 2 sailings, the first one with friends who are D. We were all in the lounge.  Many, many more D+ without the Ds.

[sgmn]

Celebrity seems to be going the other way. An email from them advises they are setting aside an exclusive lounge for Elite and above during HH twice on a seven day sailing and three times on 8 days and above, plus their existing senior officers party  and captains club welcome party. Of course HH drinks are available as normal in the other bars and lounges.

This starts from January 2024

[little britain]

Full text of Celebrity email announcing introduction ( reintroduction) of a lounge…

 

I have heard from many of our loyal Captain’s Club members, such as yourself, that one of the program’s most gratifying aspects is the opportunity to be part of a community of like-minded travellers with whom you can share your experiences on board. I love that so many of you are eager to connect over your shared passion for travel and cruising. 

I am excited to announce that starting in January 2024, we will designate an existing lounge space for our Elite, Elite Plus, and Zenith members to get together on board during the daily Elite Cocktail hour. 

The lounge space will be available twice per cruise on sailings between 5 nights and 7 nights, and three times per cruise on sailings 8 nights or longer, from 5pm to 7pm. Your concierge team will inform you in your welcome letter of the specific days and locations where you can gather on board. Additionally, drinks will still be available at bars and lounges throughout the ship daily by presenting your Seapass card if you prefer not to use the designated lounge space. 

This gathering, in addition to our Captain’s Club Welcome Party, Senior Officer Party, Music & Mixology event, and more, provides our members with several opportunities to meet up, and we could not be more excited. Thank you for your loyalty, and I hope to meet you on board soon.

[cruisegirl1]

18 hours ago, RFerrington said:

Thank you so much.  We truly are enjoying it.  Not sure why, but the internet is horrible on this trip.  It was so dependable last week !  It keeps dropping.  Not sure what the issue is but if it doesn’t get better by tomorrow I’m going to have to pay the VOOM folks a visit.

 

We’re enjoying the use of the SL this week.  It’s nice to have options.

Internet is hit and miss on ships. Internet was great, I had some issues at home and was able to use Wi-Fi calling and Internet the entire cruise.

 

Umles  you think you have something the matter with your connection/settings , I’m not sure what paying the voom folks a visit would do,  In the past, when there has been poor Internet, I know some people have asked for a refund. Of course Internet is free for you.

 

hope internet improves. 
m

[cruisegirl1]

1 hour ago, deepcman said:

On Radiance this week and according to concierge, there's 192 D and D+. Directive this week from corporate is only D+ in CL during HH.

Last week all were permitted and they open lounge to Viking lounge for overflow.

Concierge did say he thinks only D+ only will be the rule moving forward. We shall see.

He also mentioned its no fun dealing with the angry D mob. Lol.

192 is nothing. We had over 1000 D and D + on Jewel (same ship class) in September and of course everyone was allowed in 24/7.  
 

just a number so low, I’m wondering if that is now the procedure/policy for every ship or sailing. 
m

Edited October 25, 2023 by cruisegirl1

[OCSC Mike]

FYI, no restrictions on Allure’s 1st cruise from PC that left yesterday. Was nice to be in the only Oasis class CL left with a view while enjoying my HH breaded shrimp before dinner. It wasn’t full at 5:00 but there were a decent number of seats taken.

[island lady]

4 hours ago, OCSC Mike said:

FYI, no restrictions on Allure’s 1st cruise from PC that left yesterday. Was nice to be in the only Oasis class CL left with a view while enjoying my HH breaded shrimp before dinner. It wasn’t full at 5:00 but there were a decent number of seats taken.

 

Sounds wonderful!!  Happy you are enjoying your cruise!  We are excited about Wonder coming up on Sunday.   No matter how many times we cruise...we still get that excitement pre cruise each time.  😉 

[graciekelli]

On 10/15/2023 at 9:59 AM, BND said:

We've been on cruise where the concierge has gone around with a list and checked off names/cabin numbers for access.  Everything I've read so far from those actually onboard is that the info says it'll depend on numbers.  We use it, especially on smaller ships as there just aren't the places to get snacks in the later afternoon since we do late dining.  

Same!! We're on the Jewel 10/30.  I hope we will still have access.

[Tatka]

17 hours ago, sgmn said:

Celebrity seems to be going the other way. An email from them advises they are setting aside an exclusive lounge for Elite and above during HH twice on a seven day sailing and three times on 8 days and above, plus their existing senior officers party  and captains club welcome party. Of course HH drinks are available as normal in the other bars and lounges.

This starts from January 2024

 

So they are creating a lounge which they canceled some time ago completely?

[ReneeFLL]

On 10/22/2023 at 2:27 AM, doghog said:

…I suggested if this continues the CL should be first come, first serve, no matter if D, D+ or P. Let the CL concierge decide room capacity.   

That’s a horrible idea. Some people will be camped out in there and others won’t get to use it. Even though I don’t like all the cuts (I was once D also) I don’t think the D’s deserve as much as D+ or Pinnacles. I never expected to have what the Pinnacles had. They should just make one room much bigger so D, D+ and Pinnacles can all use it.

[ReneeFLL]

On 10/22/2023 at 12:32 PM, island lady said:

 

That is exactly what I always said.  Foraging for food on the cruise ships is a no brainer.  😄 

Obviously there’s a ton of food on a ship, but it’s nice to have apps with your drink if you like to have one in the lounge. Besides, who wants to have to forage for food to go along with their drinks. 🙄

[nelblu]

9 minutes ago, ReneeFLL said:

That’s a horrible idea. Some people will be camped out in there and others won’t get to use it. Even though I don’t like all the cuts (I was once D also) I don’t think the D’s deserve as much as D+ or Pinnacles. I never expected to have what the Pinnacles had. They should just make one room much bigger so D, D+ and Pinnacles can all use it.

That’s the way it was before the drink allowance in essence.  People never left the damn lounge. 

[ReneeFLL]

On 10/22/2023 at 2:20 PM, cruisegirl1 said:

I guess if Royal eliminated the happy hour snacks, then the issue would correct itself. They’ve already eliminated happy hour complementary drinks. There would be no reason for the majority of folks to want to use the lounge during that time.
Cost savings for no food and few if any staff needed during the happy hour time.
 

No more infighting among passengers regarding who should have access to the lounge, and who should not as overcrowding would likely not be an issue.

 

Then after that, they can tackle the other issue that causes negative responses and and eliminate the coffee machine. Many people complain about the lines to get coffee, broken machines,  machine not available at the time of day they want coffee, etc. With no machine, there’s no issues.  

 

Problems solved.

M

ps-i’m sure many of you remember when Royal used to give  welcome back gifts to most passengers like tote bags, hats  picture frames, toiletry bags, etc. Lots of customers complained that they “already had that same gift,  didn’t like the gift, wanted a different kind of gift,”  etc. Royal solved the problem by eliminating the gifts all together.

If  I ran the company and customers were complaining about something I was giving away for free, I would simply illuminate the item. Why give people something to complain about.

 

So basically you’re saying they should continue to eliminate even more of the benefits? What’s the use of having a loyalty program when you’re trying to get people to be loyal to you?

[ReneeFLL]

On 10/22/2023 at 2:49 PM, island lady said:

 

Indeed "the times they are a changin' ".   

 

We are just back from a Viking 3 week cruise...there are no loyalty lounges...we are all the same.  Coffee machines with all the fancy fixings are in an open area with no restrictions.  Beer and wine complimentary with lunch and dinner...other drinks on a pay per basis (and not expensive) or on a prepurchase package deal.  Was quite refreshing.  

True, but you are paying bigger bucks for those than you are on Royal.

[doghog]

36 minutes ago, ReneeFLL said:

That’s a horrible idea. Some people will be camped out in there and others won’t get to use it. Even though I don’t like all the cuts (I was once D also) I don’t think the D’s deserve as much as D+ or Pinnacles. I never expected to have what the Pinnacles had. They should just make one room much bigger so D, D+ and Pinnacles can all use it.

Then you should be more understanding of my idea.  I disagree with you and I like my idea way better than yours. Your idea is horrible. So basically you’re saying they should continue to eliminate even more of the benefits? What’s the use of having a loyalty program when you’re trying to get people to be loyal to you? When it comes to the DL/CL lounge during HH, Diamonds do deserve the lounge, no matter the time of day.  

 

Agree, RC should accommodate their top three tier levels.

 

 

Edited October 26, 2023 by doghog