Crown Lounge - Diamond Entrance During Happy Hour

[Another_Critic]

2 hours ago, firefly333 said:

You have to be pinnacle or in a suite to be in the suite lounge,

Clarification: suite = full suite (Grand Suite or higher).

[Mick B]

Hi,

It is a real shame that RCI are banning D members from the Crown Lounge during HH during certain sailing where D+ and P numbers are high.

 

As well as the drinks (which we can all get at almost any other bar during this time), there is the nice nibbles just to keep you going until dinner.

 

Also, there is access to the Coffee Machine and a nice view if the lounge is up next to the Viking Crown Lounge.

 

Now, on some ships the Crown Lounge is placed where the view is obstructed or non-existent. Also, the Coffee machine is broken for days on end, or the whole cruise, or swapped with the one from the Suites Lounge if that brakes, which D+ members no longer have access to unless in a GS.

 

Yes, you can get access to the Coffee machine outside of HH and also speak to the Concierge too, and with the drinks vouchers not just usable at most other bars, but sharable with family and friends without penalty, you would have though the number of people wanting to use the lounge during HH would be lower now, also considering that some of them can be far away from the MDR which is where most people would probably be heading not long after.

 

I really cannot see a valid reason for banning the D members during this time as I am sure overspills can be set up nearby as before. Its just another small kick in the teeth for loyal members, and yes, some may not be all that bothered about it, but others might and it cannot be nice not knowing before hand, if you will or won't be allowed in.

 

I will be on the Jewels' TA in 4 weeks and will let you know how they handle access to the lounge, if we even bother as I enjoy it, but the wife does not.

 

Mick.

 

[FionaMG]

On 3/1/2024 at 1:50 PM, TeeRick said:

We did Symphony Feb 10 cruise.  The Crown Lounge was D+ and P.

 

Are you sure about this? Just asking because we were on the same cruise and the letter from the Crown Lounge concierge didn't say anything about Ds not being allowed in. We didn't actually go so I don't know if we would have been turned away at the door or not.

[xpcdoojk]

On 3/2/2024 at 1:41 PM, HicksRA said:

Yes, I know that. What I’m wondering if it’s coded in the card to automatically allow access at the door card reader for D+ and deny access to D, or if they’re manually checking cards to see it if reads D or D+ to allow people in. 

On our Ovation transpacific sailing, I booked deck 12 aft in order to be near the concierge lounge, only to be informed prior to sailing that it was not going to be accessible by D+.  I checked my key on the door a couple of times in the morning, since we were almost next door and the door never opened.  So, my guess is the keys are programmed by level to open the doors.  Think they do it for the DL or now crown lounge.  

 

JC

[firefly333]

When they moved early dining up to 5 pm and opened food in the crown lounge also at 5 pm, I think it was a on purpose. This is why I dont go in at 5 pm, my dinner is the same exact time.

Edited March 4 by firefly333

[TeeRick]

2 hours ago, FionaMG said:

 

Are you sure about this? Just asking because we were on the same cruise and the letter from the Crown Lounge concierge didn't say anything about Ds not being allowed in. We didn't actually go so I don't know if we would have been turned away at the door or not.

We got a letter left in our room inviting us as D+ but I don't honestly remember any more of it.  Nobody was at the Crown Lounge door checking.  Just card access.  I think I recall a sign on the first night saying D+ and P only.  My memory on this hazy.  With our 5 drink coupons apiece, we didn't bother with the dark and crowded Crown Lounge when we had better options almost anywhere else on the ship.

[FionaMG]

3 minutes ago, TeeRick said:

We got a letter left in our room inviting us as D+ but I don't honestly remember any more of it.  Nobody was at the Crown Lounge door checking.  Just card access.  I think I recall a sign on the first night saying D+ and P only.  My memory on this hazy.  With our 5 drink coupons apiece, we didn't bother with the dark and crowded Crown Lounge when we had better options almost anywhere else on the ship.

 

Agree. Not a fan of that dungeon-style lounge.

[island lady]

14 hours ago, SEA DOGY said:

I’m wondering if Sea class pax are aloud in C/L

 

Sea class on ships as in Oasis and Quantum class is a Junior suite.   Junior suites pax, unless Diamond and above..... are not allowed into CL...be it Concierge Lounge or the newly named (former Diamond Lounge) Crown Lounge.  

[island lady]

4 hours ago, Mick B said:

Hi,

It is a real shame that RCI are banning D members from the Crown Lounge during HH during certain sailing where D+ and P numbers are high.

 

As well as the drinks (which we can all get at almost any other bar during this time), there is the nice nibbles just to keep you going until dinner.

 

Also, there is access to the Coffee Machine and a nice view if the lounge is up next to the Viking Crown Lounge.

 

Now, on some ships the Crown Lounge is placed where the view is obstructed or non-existent. Also, the Coffee machine is broken for days on end, or the whole cruise, or swapped with the one from the Suites Lounge if that brakes, which D+ members no longer have access to unless in a GS.

 

Yes, you can get access to the Coffee machine outside of HH and also speak to the Concierge too, and with the drinks vouchers not just usable at most other bars, but sharable with family and friends without penalty, you would have though the number of people wanting to use the lounge during HH would be lower now, also considering that some of them can be far away from the MDR which is where most people would probably be heading not long after.

 

I really cannot see a valid reason for banning the D members during this time as I am sure overspills can be set up nearby as before. Its just another small kick in the teeth for loyal members, and yes, some may not be all that bothered about it, but others might and it cannot be nice not knowing before hand, if you will or won't be allowed in.

 

I will be on the Jewels' TA in 4 weeks and will let you know how they handle access to the lounge, if we even bother as I enjoy it, but the wife does not.

 

Mick.

 

 

Obviously you were not around when they kicked the Diamonds out of the Concierge Lounges some years ago.    At that time there were only Concierge Lounges...no Suite lounges, no Diamond Lounges.   Nothing new with Loyalty changes to the program with RCI.  

[RFerrington]

20 hours ago, island lady said:

 

 😄   LA Maneesh (who is now promoted to GS manager) told us they tried it once recently on Wonder...it was a disaster.  They have not done it since according to what he told us last week.  

On OA right now and Francis told us pretty much the same thing.  There are 73 Pinns on this cruise and all have complete CK/SL access with a single exception.  Breakfast for Pinns in Chops.  I am a-ok with this arrangement.

[RFerrington]

18 hours ago, island lady said:

 

 When we originally turned Pinnacle, we thought..."Oh Yeah...access to CL/SL and CK on ships that have them"!  Nice!  Well worth chasing the Pinnacle carrot.  Now......

Truer words....I completely agree.

 

We have been very fortunate so far.  We have yet to be restricted from the Concierge/Suite lounge but I'm sure it's coming.  Our next O-class sailing will be on Wonder and you have given me reason to hope.....  

[island lady]

1 minute ago, RFerrington said:

On OA right now and Francis told us pretty much the same thing.  There are 73 Pinns on this cruise and all have complete CK/SL access with a single exception.  Breakfast for Pinns in Chops.  I am a-ok with this arrangement.

 

Same as us last week on Wonder.  We also are fine with that.   Was no worry about room for all, even with 93 Pinnacles on board.  

 

When you think about it...it saves them the drama they would get from the Pinnies.  And as in $$....the Pinnacle event they used to set up.  In that designated temporary lounge somewhere, they had to have attendants, food set up, and usually the LA (or another officer) holding court.  Many times no one even showed up.  Really was a waste.  

 

All we really do is grab a glass of wine at the SL bar for a few minutes....until they collect us for our table in CK.  We always have early dining in there.  Last week more than half the tables were empty each night.  

 

And we did enjoy our breakfast in Chops each morning.  

[island lady]

7 minutes ago, RFerrington said:

Truer words....I completely agree.

 

We have been very fortunate so far.  We have yet to be restricted from the Concierge/Suite lounge but I'm sure it's coming.  Our next O-class sailing will be on Wonder and you have given me reason to hope.....  

 

One exception for us, was of course the World Cruise on Serenade.   Only the 41 Pinnacles on the full World Cruise were allowed in the Concierge Lounge, plus the suites pax.  Each night there were only 6-10 of us in there...and sometimes just us.  We were allowed in as quarter cruisers,  being the only Pinnacle couple in a GS.  

 

Chops for breakfast was strictly suites only.  And very empty each morning.  

 

Pinnacles have their own breakfast area on deck 5, main seating on deck 4.  

 

 

[njkruzer]

1 hour ago, island lady said:

 

Obviously you were not around when they kicked the Diamonds out of the Concierge Lounges some years ago.    At that time there were only Concierge Lounges...no Suite lounges, no Diamond Lounges.   Nothing new with Loyalty changes to the program with RCI.  

Yes, I remember that.  On the Explorer.  Ww still found a way to get nibbles.  That ban didn't last long.

[TeeRick]

There seems to be an unnamed loyalty level at 340 pts.  Between D+ and P.  They had an invited event on our cruise a few weeks ago for D+ members, but it was for 340 pts and above.  I can see that in the future being an entry requirement for the Crown Lounge perhaps.  Why not just name this level something else like D+340 or P-WannaB?😁

[island lady]

7 minutes ago, njkruzer said:

Yes, I remember that.  On the Explorer.  Ww still found a way to get nibbles.  That ban didn't last long.

 

We actually adored the "Diamond Events" prior to the added keyed access Diamond Lounges.  Especially the ones on Freedom in the forward lounge.   Just beer, wine, discount on liquor and passing around little jars of bar mix.  So many good people we met at those.  🙂 

[island lady]

5 minutes ago, TeeRick said:

There seems to be an unnamed loyalty level at 340 pts.  Between D+ and P.  They had an invited event on our cruise a few weeks ago for D+ members, but it was for 340 pts and above.  I can see that in the future being an entry requirement for the Crown Lounge perhaps.  Why not just name this level something else like D+340 or P-WannaB?😁

 

We used to call ourselves "Pits"   Pinnacle in Training   😄 

 

On Wonder the 340 D+ were on one side of deck 5 "Cheers with an Officer" lunch and Pinnies on the other side.....being 15 minutes apart starting time.  Enough for the officers to scoot over to our side when done with their speech on the D+ side.  😉 

[nicknack]

I'm a diamond member but my traveling partner is not.  Will she be able to accompany me into the Lounge??

[island lady]

Just now, nicknack said:

I'm a diamond member but my traveling partner is not.  Will she be able to accompany me into the Lounge??

 

Sorry...no.   Though you both can use your vouchers together at all the other venues.  You have to use your vouchers for drinks the Crown Lounge anyway.  

[njkruzer]

10 minutes ago, TeeRick said:

There seems to be an unnamed loyalty level at 340 pts.  Between D+ and P.  They had an invited event on our cruise a few weeks ago for D+ members, but it was for 340 pts and above.  I can see that in the future being an entry requirement for the Crown Lounge perhaps.  Why not just name this level something else like D+340 or P-WannaB?😁

That event (lunch/cheers withan officer) has been around for years, though the pts needed was less years ago.  Been at 340 for a while. 

[island lady]

2 minutes ago, njkruzer said:

That event (lunch/cheers withan officer) has been around for years, though the pts needed was less years ago.  Been at 340 for a while. 

 

I remember many Lunch with an officer events (before it became Cheers with an officer)...but I think it was always 350...later lowered to 340 to match up with the other perks at that level?

 

I actually don't remember any lunches that were less points than that...but perhaps the breakfasts they had on some ships?   They had a nice breakfast on Freedom many years ago for all D+.    And that was before they added the Pinnacle level.  

[njkruzer]

28 minutes ago, island lady said:

 

I remember many Lunch with an officer events (before it became Cheers with an officer)...but I think it was always 350...later lowered to 340 to match up with the other perks at that level?

 

I actually don't remember any lunches that were less points than that...but perhaps the breakfasts they had on some ships?   They had a nice breakfast on Freedom many years ago for all D+.    And that was before they added the Pinnacle level.  

Yes, I think I do remember the breakfast. Agree, may have always been 350/340.  Can't recall when we started to go.

[Another_Critic]

7 hours ago, TeeRick said:

There seems to be an unnamed loyalty level at 340 pts.  Between D+ and P.  They had an invited event on our cruise a few weeks ago for D+ members, but it was for 340 pts and above.  I can see that in the future being an entry requirement for the Crown Lounge perhaps.  Why not just name this level something else like D+340 or P-WannaB?😁

Some here have [unofficially] referred to that "tier" as D++

[cruisegus]

12 hours ago, FionaMG said:

 

Are you sure about this? Just asking because we were on the same cruise and the letter from the Crown Lounge concierge didn't say anything about Ds not being allowed in. We didn't actually go so I don't know if we would have been turned away at the door or not.

Symphony 4 Feb 24 - 6 night cruise 93 Pinnacle's Crown Lounge accessories restricted, some at door checking card only 1st 3 nights.

Symphony 10 Feb 24 - 8 night cruise 48 Pinnacle's who al had SL and CK access so Diamond not restricted in Crown Lounge.

Was on both sailings.

 

[roupa]

As a D+ and casino prime, I appreciate the perks but fail to see the need to visit the “elitist” HH in the crown lounge.  I love the Viking crown lounge for its view day and night, its peaceful atmosphere, a cocktail, and music. Beverages and snacks are abundant ship wide.   I truly enjoy getting to know/make new friends, but the HH conversation seems too focused on comparing / competing #s of cruises and how many comps received.   Too much one-upmanship competition for me!

By the way, some “crown lounges” are now in one-window or windowless rooms. 🥴