Heard a rumour - Royal and Celebrity combining casino programs?

[watcher_62]

Currently onboard the Odyssey and was chatting with our next door neighbor. They are avid Celebrity cruisers who play the casino. They mentioned they heard there were plans to combine the two lines casino programs in some way, but did not know the timeline. It would be a real positive imho. Has anyone heard this?

[RobInMN]

Specifically the Casino programs? No.

But there was a thread about loyalty programs a few months ago. It apparently all started by people reading into something a Celebrity executive said in a webinar:

 

[Merion_Mom]

Yes, that rumor exists.  😄 

[ZoeyVictoria]

Combining the two casino programs would be the perfect time for Royal to raise the requirements to become Prime 🙄. Similar to changing the Diamond Lounge to the Crown lounge and then restricting Diamonds. 

[micruiser2002]

They are not combining Casino programs. What they are doing is CCL has transitioned to using the same IT platforms/software/processes/rules as RCL and both will use the same rules for onboard points earning certificates.  

[Noskill]

There's always rumors out there 🙂.  According to the folks at RCI, the casino and loyalty programs are currently under review at both brands to see if there are opportunity to align certain features.   One example in the casino is that Celebrity is now using the same offer platform/website style as Royal. What's to come is anyone's guess (but it is fun guessing).

[watcher_62]

OK - back from Celebrity and Odyssey and 7+ staff mentioned the combining of the programs, which should be a big positive.  Now that I'm active with Blue Chip Club (Celebrity's casino program)  I have to say my initial impression is it's not run as well as Casino Royale. The fact that you have a separate BCC number (not your Captains Club number) and the points you earn onboard for free cruise offers are not the same as your status points for overall casino program benefits make it very confusing, but this may have been a mistake by the Host (who seemed very confused). Casino Royale points all track the same and are simply associated with your Crown and Anchor number.

 

It seems Celebrity are making changes because every rep I have spoken to both onboard and on the BCC line seem unsure of exactly how the program works.  One change (unless i was advised incorrectly) I hope they make right away is to extend their offers beyond 6 months. Casino Royale offers go up to a year, making them much more useful for regular players.