Beginning 1/1/09, Shareholder OBC will be combinable with............

[land lover]

I sometimes think that RCI would like us to move to Celebrity. With some notable exceptions (cruiserccl being the most obvious one), I imagine that most D/D+ pax are, shall we say, SEASONED individuals, not necessarily the target market for RCI as they build playground ships (unless they're taking the grandkids). So by a combination of not offering a genteel (? somebody could come up with a better word that doesn't make us sound like fun-less geezers) cruising experience and then cutting back on the perks, they drive us out and (they hope) up the food chain.

 

Of course, Celebrity doesn't offer bupkus to Elite passengers. They have never had a balcony discount to combine with ___ and their OBC is based on the price of the cruise, not the number of days, so you have to be booking a full suite in most instances that I've seen to get more than $50. So if they continue the shareholder OBC, that will almost always be the way to go. But they offer a superior product, right?:rolleyes::confused::confused: (I've never sailed on them).

 

 

Superior product?????? I certainly like the overall feel of the X ships. From the Captain to the guy wiping down the stair railing. Similar to the same feeling one gets on Monarch with Captain Carin.

Also the clientèle seems to be a little more refined.

Food at least on our sailings a step above, presentation much better...

 

Bread sticks are to die for and sorbet is delicious.

 

I do like their return pax parties drinks flow and flow and flow...and

the wine mixing is fun.

[TravelerThom]

I sometimes think that RCI would like us to move to Celebrity. With some notable exceptions (cruiserccl being the most obvious one), I imagine that most D/D+ pax are, shall we say, SEASONED individuals, not necessarily the target market for RCI as they build playground ships (unless they're taking the grandkids). So by a combination of not offering a genteel (? somebody could come up with a better word that doesn't make us sound like fun-less geezers) cruising experience and then cutting back on the perks, they drive us out and (they hope) up the food chain.

 

Of course, Celebrity doesn't offer bupkus to Elite passengers. They have never had a balcony discount to combine with ___ and their OBC is based on the price of the cruise, not the number of days, so you have to be booking a full suite in most instances that I've seen to get more than $50. So if they continue the shareholder OBC, that will almost always be the way to go. But they offer a superior product, right?:rolleyes::confused::confused: (I've never sailed on them).

Personally I think I'm considering chucking Celebrity entirely [well, almost entirely - I'm keeping my Celebrity Xpedition Galapagos cruise this December] after my last cruise on Solstice. I'm in my sixties, so it is not that I'm moving to RCI for the night life action:cool:. The two big things I enjoyed most on Celebrity were its "sophistication" and its Sushi bar and it has been awhile since I have seen either of those on X. The CD on Solstice was continuously haranguing the theater audience with "Make some noise! SHOUT!! Whistle!!! SCREAM!!!!" - far worse than anything I've encountered on RCI, and worse than my nightmares of Carnival on a bad day. Celebrity's excellent sushi bar used to open at 5pm, so early diners could have a nice appetizer there - Solstice's sushi opened at 6pm effectively eliminating it for early diners; talking to the Hotel Director he said it was up to the Food & Beverage Dept [like they don't work for the HD], and of course F&B said it was up to the HD. Having had Sushi shut down for my entire 17 day X Century TransAtlantic [because of a Noro outbreak on the previous cruise (where it did stay open the entire cruise)] that makes 24 days in a row on Celebrity with no access to sushi. These are relatively small items, but indicative of a general customer be damned attitude by X management. X's working staff is great and ships [especially Solstice] are beautiful, but Celebrity's management attitude [and RCI's Diamond Lounge] make RCI look better and better. Or perhaps I'll just consider bidding adieu to the entire company and move on to Oceana since their pricing has seemed to become increasingly competitive [not saying they are as inexpensive, but comparing what you get...]

[VickyMcG]

While I am disappointed at no longer being able to combine benefits (who isn't at having to spend more money?), I'll be sticking with RC for the most part, because it fits my lifestyle. I am an action/activity freak, who barely graces a deck chair for one or two hours the whole week. I'm out climbing rock walls, skating, doing active excursions, going to the gym, and then dancing the night away. I don't care a jot about food - I'm not picky, so food would never make me switch cruiselines.

 

RC is really the perfect fit for me. Not to say I would never cruise other lines - because I have. I kept coming back to Royal, though. And I'll only cruise Royal with my kids. They won't join the kid's clubs, so they need to be entertained in other ways. So, we all climb the rock wall, etc, together.

 

Boy now I sound like a cheerleader, don't I?:o I have to say, though, if RC became like HAL, I would switch in a heartbeat, but only because it didn't match my lifestyle anymore.

 

Gotta agree. I like the activities too.

Thing is; it's tough for everyone and although we may be getting a few less OBC's, we are paying less for our cruises! RCI has had $ flow problems and are trying to stay healthy. It makes sense. When they do better (and the WILL) they will probably start up those dividends for stockholders and more combined OBC's. But you WILL pay more for the cruise. So, accept that times are hard, but you get to cruise, Baby!

 

 

Personally I think I'm considering chucking Celebrity entirely [well, almost entirely - I'm ===== The two big things I enjoyed most on Celebrity were its "sophistication" and its Sushi bar and it has been awhile since I have seen either of those on X. ==== Celebrity's excellent sushi bar used to open at 5pm, so early diners could have a nice appetizer there - Solstice's sushi opened at 6pm effectively eliminating it for early diners; ...]

Darn, one thing I really liked was the Sushi bar. We would go at 4pm and eat much later. It was perfect. I sure hope C' hasn't closed down the Sushi bar.

[rednancy1]

I sometimes think that RCI would like us to move to Celebrity. With some notable exceptions (cruiserccl being the most obvious one), I imagine that most D/D+ pax are, shall we say, SEASONED individuals, not necessarily the target market for RCI as they build playground ships (unless they're taking the grandkids). So by a combination of not offering a genteel (? somebody could come up with a better word that doesn't make us sound like fun-less geezers) cruising experience and then cutting back on the perks, they drive us out and (they hope) up the food chain.

 

Of course, Celebrity doesn't offer bupkus to Elite passengers. They have never had a balcony discount to combine with ___ and their OBC is based on the price of the cruise, not the number of days, so you have to be booking a full suite in most instances that I've seen to get more than $50. So if they continue the shareholder OBC, that will almost always be the way to go. But they offer a superior product, right?:rolleyes::confused::confused: (I've never sailed on them).

 

Love the word bupkus. :cool: I never hear it in LV. Maybe an east/west coast thing.

 

I agree that RCI wants us seasoned cruisers to move up the food chain to Celebrity and Azamara.

 

You've tried the Azamara Journey as will we next year. We're going to experience the Celebrity Infinity in July.

 

I can't wait to comapre all these ships.:):)

[tiamar]

The next thing she told me grab me. She told me that all though the combining of benefits will end on 12/31 they are coming up with something new and improved of course she did not tell me what that was. This is suppose to be rolled out sometime in 2009 it is suppose to a much better and a fairer way with how they dispense with benefits and offers.

 

Reading this thread today and was wondering if anyone figured out what the "new and improved" benefits are that they were introducing in 2009?

Amber

[Morecruisesplz]

Reading this thread today and was wondering if anyone figured out what the "new and improved" benefits are that they were introducing in 2009?

Amber

Yes, after announcing no more towels animals in the cabins at night the next thing I hear is the ships will no longer leave the port after you board for your cruise. Make sure you pick a departure port you like because in the latest cost saving measure the ships will stay at dock. (No new benefits that was just said to get everyone to quit companing.)

[Driftwoodgal]

Yes, after announcing no more towels animals in the cabins at night the next thing I hear is the ships will no longer leave the port after you board for your cruise. Make sure you pick a departure port you like because in the latest cost saving measure the ships will stay at dock. (No new benefits that was just said to get everyone to quit companing.)

 

That would be fine with me if we were in Hawaii.

[Mrsg324]

I booked my NC in June of 07. My TA has confirmed that RC has applied the 125 C&A certificate as well as my 100 OBC from the NC & 100 OBC for my shares.

 

I will not be purchasing a NC again unless they allow me to combine benefits because it is pointless in doing it if you can't use it for extra anymore.

[Ladylouwho]

Reading this thread today and was wondering if anyone figured out what the "new and improved" benefits are that they were introducing in 2009?

Amber

 

"New and Improved" are codewords that Adam Goldstein came up with for "Cutbacks to our Loyalty Program". Whataguy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

 

 

Colleen

[pmshirl]

It sure is a downfall for RC to be cuuting these perks!

 

Holland America just rolled out More Perks for their Loyal Fans!

 

 

http://www.usatoday.com/travel/cruises/item.aspx?type=blog&ak=68499050.blog

[jobob]

The NCL program using cruise days makes more sense, but the actual benefits are not very good. Unless I missed something they do not have free drinks in special lounges. With RCCL's program, if you live close to the piers, you can reach highest status within a short time with some very good prices on short cruises. IMHO RCCL C&A is the better program even with the cutbacks.

[yogimax]

. IMHO RCCL C&A is the better program even with the cutbacks.

 

The RCCL program is easily better than Carnival's

[sfcook]

Oh heck, I just wrote a post and when I pressed submit got a blank screen.

 

I hate to ask this but this thread has made me wonder, can we combine shareholder and loyalty program discounts? We have cruised twice this summer and received the platinum balcony discount for our first cruise and the diamond balcony discount for our second cruise. We book directly with RCCL and the C&A agent told us we couldn't combine our shareholder benefit with our platinum/diamond benefit but we have received not quite correct info from C&A before.

 

Also, I agree that RCCL may be trying to move some of us to Celebrity. We are very active but we aren't kids anymore and it feels like RCCL is directing its focus on young familes. Their strategy may be working as my hubby is looking at Celebrity for our next cruise.

[cruisenfever]

Oh heck, I just wrote a post and when I pressed submit got a blank screen.

 

I hate to ask this but this thread has made me wonder, can we combine shareholder and loyalty program discounts? We have cruised twice this summer and received the platinum balcony discount for our first cruise and the diamond balcony discount for our second cruise. We book directly with RCCL and the C&A agent told us we couldn't combine our shareholder benefit with our platinum/diamond benefit but we have received not quite correct info from C&A before.

 

Also, I agree that RCCL may be trying to move some of us to Celebrity. We are very active but we aren't kids anymore and it feels like RCCL is directing its focus on young familes. Their strategy may be working as my hubby is looking at Celebrity for our next cruise.

Hi there.................since I'm the one that started this thread I can tell you that unfortunately............you can not combine any benefits for any cruise that was booked after 1/1/09. You have to select the benefit that gives you the best bang for your buck.;)

 

If anyone purchased a NC prior to 1/1/09 then when those NC bookings are activated they will still be able to combine.

 

If you have a cruise that was booked prior to 1/1/09 and have to transfer it to another sailing, then you can keep all your benefits.

 

I started this thread on December 18, 2008 because the information I received was that benefits could be combined. I believe that it was just a matter of days when they changed their minds again.:(

[Ladylouwho]

Oh heck, I just wrote a post and when I pressed submit got a blank screen.

 

I hate to ask this but this thread has made me wonder, can we combine shareholder and loyalty program discounts? We have cruised twice this summer and received the platinum balcony discount for our first cruise and the diamond balcony discount for our second cruise. We book directly with RCCL and the C&A agent told us we couldn't combine our shareholder benefit with our platinum/diamond benefit but we have received not quite correct info from C&A before.

 

Also, I agree that RCCL may be trying to move some of us to Celebrity. We are very active but we aren't kids anymore and it feels like RCCL is directing its focus on young familes. Their strategy may be working as my hubby is looking at Celebrity for our next cruise.

 

 

You are correct, they no longer allow you to combine the C&A Balcony discount with your shareholder obc. We are Diamond and Shareholders also. They still allow the senior rate (over 55) to be combined with anything. This rate actually pops up more than I realized. My husband turned 55 earlier in the year and we were able to take advantage of this rate and our Diamond Balcony discount.

 

Yes, I have been saying for some time that RCL is looking for New Cruisers and Families. They certainly are trying to push their Loyal older customers toward Celebrity and Azamara. Too bad they had to do it in such a cruel fashion to their Loyal Diamond members. Basically yanked the carpet from under their feet. Many of those Loyal folks booked cruises with the competition as a result, not with Celebrity or Azamara.

 

Colleen

[sfcook]

cruisenfever,

 

Thanks so much for the speedy answer. While I understand why RCCL has had to cut back on some perks, I think they could have made a two-tiered program so their past loyal customers would continue to receive some, if not all, of the benefits RCCL used to get their business in the first place.

 

Oh well, hubby says we are going on Celebrity next and is looking at other lines, too.

[cruisenfever]

cruisenfever,

 

Thanks so much for the speedy answer. While I understand why RCCL has had to cut back on some perks, I think they could have made a two-tiered program so their past loyal customers would continue to receive some, if not all, of the benefits RCCL used to get their business in the first place.

 

Oh well, hubby says we are going on Celebrity next and is looking at other lines, too.

Absolutely agree with you. I felt that they should have allowed an OBC from either booking while on board a cruise or from Shareholder benefits. That would give you something to spend while on the cruise.

 

To this they should have allowed "1" other benefit that would take $$$ off your cruise like the P/D/D+ balcony discount or the C&A Savings Certificate if one became available.

[Morecruisesplz]

Absolutely agree with you. I felt that they should have allowed an OBC from either booking while on board a cruise or from Shareholder benefits. That would give you something to spend while on the cruise.

 

To this they should have allowed "1" other benefit that would take $$$ off your cruise like the P/D/D+ balcony discount or the C&A Savings Certificate if one became available.

 

Or they could have simply stopped allowing passengers to "cash out" their OBCs. That in fact was the driving force to these cutbacks -- when RCL became a back for those with lots of OBC who first told others on here how to get the cash at the casino and then when that was stopped, just lined up the final night of the cruise to "cash out" at the pursers desk.

 

OBC is On-board-credit. Had they simply enforced that it be spent onboard (or lost) cut backs would not have been necessary. I suggested a use-it-or-lose-it policy and you might remember the screaming on these boards. Tell me the name of any other business where you can take a coupon to the register and get cash!

[cruisenfever]

Or they could have simply stopped allowing passengers to "cash out" their OBCs. That in fact was the driving force to these cutbacks -- when RCL became a back for those with lots of OBC who first told others on here how to get the cash at the casino and then when that was stopped, just lined up the final night of the cruise to "cash out" at the pursers desk.

 

OBC is On-board-credit. Had they simply enforced that it be spent onboard (or lost) cut backs would not have been necessary. I suggested a use-it-or-lose-it policy and you might remember the screaming on these boards. Tell me the name of any other business where you can take a coupon to the register and get cash!

Absolutely agree.

[BMT]

I doubt they are driving us in the direction of Celebrity and Azamara - as far as I am aware, the two companies are quite competitive.

 

I am quoting, only slightly out of context, from an e-mail from Mr. A. Goldstein (I hope he will forgive me).

 

"Finally, how Royal Caribbean deploys Independence of the seas and how Celebrity deploys Celebrity Eclipse are independent events - different people in different discussions making different decisions."

[Morecruisesplz]

I doubt they are driving us in the direction of Celebrity and Azamara - as far as I am aware, the two companies are quite competitive.

 

I am quoting, only slightly out of context, from an e-mail from Mr. A. Goldstein (I hope he will forgive me).

 

"Finally, how Royal Caribbean deploys Independence of the seas and how Celebrity deploys Celebrity Eclipse are independent events - different people in different discussions making different decisions."

 

I agree. I think it obvious they could care less where those of us who worked so hard to get to Diamond cruise now -- or if we cruise at all!

[Ocean Boy]

You are correct, they no longer allow you to combine the C&A Balcony discount with your shareholder obc. We are Diamond and Shareholders also. They still allow the senior rate (over 55) to be combined with anything. This rate actually pops up more than I realized. My husband turned 55 earlier in the year and we were able to take advantage of this rate and our Diamond Balcony discount.

 

Yes, I have been saying for some time that RCL is looking for New Cruisers and Families. They certainly are trying to push their Loyal older customers toward Celebrity and Azamara. Too bad they had to do it in such a cruel fashion to their Loyal Diamond members. Basically yanked the carpet from under their feet. Many of those Loyal folks booked cruises with the competition as a result, not with Celebrity or Azamara.

 

Colleen

 

They had better not push too hard. I came to RCI from Celebrity. If I find a need to leave RCI it is not Celebrity that I will be going back to.

[Captain Jake]

They had better not push too hard. I came to RCI from Celebrity. If I find a need to leave RCI it is not Celebrity that I will be going back to.

 

I will consider Celebrity along with all other cruise lines,land vacations,ect.the new policies remove the advantages of sailing with RCCL and the new ships remove several of the things we loved most about sailing

:cj

[dfishner]

It was interesting seeing this thread pop up on the first page, I remember the first time I saw it in December also remember the many upset posts about this and for good reason. I also remember Fla Cruiser telling us that things were going to change prior to all the cut backs.

 

So far this year I have been on Celebrity century, NOS when the cut backs were in effect and it was the first time I did not purchase a Next Cruise Certificate, no chocolates on the pillow but we still had a nice time. We also tried Carnival after 10 years which we enjoyed and we are booked on the NCL Pearl for this coming December. Those last two cruises would of been on RCL but decided that corporate made their decision and I made mine. I by no means am angry just disappointed on how short sided RCL was and is.

 

Their decision made me look at other cruise lines which is not a bad thing. Last year I would of never thought I would try anything but RCL funny how a year and policies changes makes you look at things differently. I will still cruise on RCL just not as often.