Royal Champions Vereses the rest of us

[Elizanessie]

Ok then that means your post is a complete load of twaddle as well.

Welcome to the twaddle club.:D

 

I said I didnt know what they meant by the quote you quoted, that is not twaddle.:D

 

But I can do twaddle posts on other subjects anytime you like but hey this isnt the time and place for it :D Perhaps the Floataway lounge would be more fitting place :D

[Ocean Boy]

This is an interesting thread. I didn't realize this 'group' existed.

On the one hand, some of the RC's saying the whole thing is no big deal, others saying what an honour it is. Those that aren't RC's wanna be. Those that are RC's saying there are no perks anyway so there is no advantage.

One thing I have taken away from it is that I would take RC's advice with two grains of salt instead of the single for others on the board.

 

I suspect that means that you could be stripped of the 'honour' if you aren't careful what you say.

 

You could also just completely disregard anything posted by a Royal Champion. It won't hurt anyone's feelings. I come here to help where I can and I come here to get help when I can get it. Sometimes I come here to just pass some time with some of my on-line "friends" talking about one of my favorite subjects which happens to be cruising. There is nothing more, or less, to it than that. If I ever get anything from RCI for being part of the group that is fine. And if I never get anything for it that will be just as fine.

 

Not being honest about what one thinks concerning what RCI is or what they are doing makes no sense. If we post only what we think RCI wants us to say and they get the sense that we like something that we really don't and then go in that direction then RCI my eventually morph into a product that I don't want to use anyway no matter what perk I get. So what would be the point? I don't get enough time off to spend it using a product that I don't like. I don't care if the price is free.

 

Again, take anything written here with as many grains of salt as you like. It all good.

[VernRDH]

This is interesting. As Schplinky and ChristieNJ (and even the OP) can attest, my husband and I are probably 2 of the biggest "champions" of RCI, even though we are not Royal Champions. Does it matter, not really, but it would be nice to be recognized as being someone who is loyal to RCI and promotes (at my own cost, no less) their product. Am I a total cheerleader? No, I do find fault with some of the things RCI does, but overall RCI is our cruiseline of choice. I won't even make Diamond for a while (next cruise in January will only be 9 credits).

 

RCI can do what they like, its their party. (Just wish I would get invited more!:D)

[cruisinMike]

From the link you provided.... found this quote very interesting...:D

Influencing Brand Advocates

 

Posted on February 4th, 2009 by Sallie Burnett

In my previous posts, I sited the recent study by Colloquy that found that customers who participate in loyalty-building efforts are 70 percent more likely to actively recommend a product, service or brand than the general population. I thought you might want to see this strategy in action with the Royal Caribbean Cruises’ efforts. Rachel Hannock, Manager Loyalty Marketing and Royal Caribbean Cruises shared there story at a recent loyalty marketing conference. Hannock noted, “The key to success in viral marketing is to subtly influence the influencers without them overtly realizing they are being influenced.”

 

Another thread that has brought a smile to me. Our society has been based on status, title, membership, or entitlement, long before I was around. Being included in "the club" (not necessarily RC) motivates many and alienates those not included. To admonish someone for that feeling goes against the grain of human feeling. Think of something that you may have wanted to belong to, a team, a group, a club that you could not join. How did you feel. The illusion of value of membership in the club draws people.

 

What's interesting here is that RCI has created the illusion of value for membership in this club. Look at how many have the title in their signatures much like Diamond or Diamond Plus members. Regardless if there is any value or not to membership, the illusion to some has been created.

 

As someone stated earlier, it is a brilliant marketing ploy. You create unknowing shills without them knowing it. (shill definition I use from the book: " a person who publicizes or praises something or someone for reasons of self-interest, personal profit, or friendship or loyalty).

 

Now without a doubt, this will infuriate some who are of the belief they are above all that. It's ok. Another very natural reaction. I will say I find this, Royal Champions, to be one of the smarter things RCI has done after some very questionable ploys. There is no better value then creating value in membership of a group that has the expressed intent of being unpaid marketers of the product.

[shaggyofwv]

All programs include some and exclude others, based on the point of the program. It is easy to reach C&A PLatinum or Diamond by viirtue of a string of cheap weekend cruises out of Florida. We simply cannot justify a monthly weekend cruise because of the cost of airfare. Should those people really be rewarded ahead of others who spend more on a single cruise by virtue of its length or through buying an expensive suite? On the other hand , should someone in that expensive suite be treated better via suite perks than a person on an inside who has sailed on RCL for years and years faithfully, in more meagre accommodation?

 

This is exactly why I think that your C&A status should be based upon your number of days at sea, not your number of cruises. That would be a better reflection of one's true "status".

[Schplinky]

This is exactly why I think that your C&A status should be based upon your number of days at sea, not your number of cruises. That would be a better reflection of one's true "status".

 

That would be fine by me! I think southerners who jump on discounted cruises at the last minute would be hard-pressed not to have a higher status than those of us who pay air that sometimes comprises a third of the price of the trip or more, meaning that we generally buy longer, more expensive cruises to make it worth it. I always find it funny when folks are complaining about the fact that cruises sailing out of San Juan are discounted to locals at the last minute that nobody mentions the fact that Floridians also benefit greatly from the glut of last-minute deals.

[El Mono]

but my interest is how other RCCL cruisers feel about not being a champion.

 

I am crying myself to sleep every night for not being a royal champion...

 

And I am really angry at RCI for not inviting me to the captains table despite me being a highly valued GOLD member of C&A.

 

I don't expect any special priviliges but a place at the captains table would be the least they could do to me since I splurged and got an inside cabin on my last cruise ;)

[Got2Cruise]

This is exactly why I think that your C&A status should be based upon your number of days at sea, not your number of cruises. That would be a better reflection of one's true "status".

This is not a moral issue. This is a business decision of Royal. As someone who is not loyal to any cruiseline, I think some of you have been duped by Royal. Is it status that you blindly follow a cruiseline so maybe in the future you might receive free laundry or internet? Makes no sense to me. And I think people are actually mad at themselves for falling for it. jmo.

[shaggyofwv]

This is not a moral issue. This is a business decision of Royal. As someone who is not loyal to any cruiseline, I think some of you have been duped by Royal. Is it status that you blindly follow a cruiseline so maybe in the future you might receive free laundry or internet? Makes no sense to me. And I think people are actually mad at themselves for falling for it. jmo.

 

I am loyal to RCI so long as they provide a product that satisfies myself and my wife. If we cease to be satisfied then we will look elsewhere.

 

I am not concerned with my C&A status, I was simply stating that I think it would be more appropriate to base your status on the number of days that you have spent at sea versus your number of cruises.

[monn_a]

You're complaining about other posters, kinda like the fry pan calling the kettle black....:eek:grown ups get to discuss topics that you might not like so don't post, it's simple. Others like to share their views and experiences some good, some bad but it's called OPINION with no right or wrong.

 

 

I have no problems with opinions, that was a "why am I not more special because I spend more money"...whining...grown ups don't talk like that they understand and children want what others have...

[monn_a]

I like your style. If we're ever on the same sailing, I'll buy you a drink (and others will complain that THEY didn't get the complimentary non-whiner cocktail!!!)

 

LOL...I'll buy the drink if you promise not to whine...

 

Jan, I wasn't going to post either but it just got to be too much...LOL...I do usually avoid these threads...as someone else said I'm a glass half full person...avoid the negative...

 

As others have stated I am a Royal Champion in my mind...

[pcur]

I have even overheard people in the front office telling others that if they need any information on cruises to come to me and ask.

With all that said, I am a Diamond member with RCI. At the rate I am going now, I would expect to be D+ in a few years. I have not been asked to be a Royal Champion by name here, but that makes no difference. I will continue to sail with them and give my highest recommendation.

 

 

I feel the same way. I completely forget this RC thing unless something pops up to remind me, and just go about my posting as usual.

 

I am referred to as the "Cruise Queen" among our friends and acquaintances. I don't even try to steer them to RCCL, but to tell the truth, when I hear what they want out of the vacation, it ends up being RCCL anyway.

 

I was at physical therapy last year, and the lead therapist went to Mexico on HAL. He said it was fabulous, but his young teenagers got a little bored. So, what else am I to say but tell him about RCCL's family oriented ships?

[pcur]

When I was chosen with the first group of RC's we all tried to find some common factor within the group and we couldn't find one. Yes, some had a lot of posts here on CC but others (like me) didn't. At the time I was chosen, I had less than 1000 posts here. So post counts were definitely not the criteria for choice. I don't know a single RC who feels more important than anyone else here either. What I do know is that if anyone needs help here on CC with a question about RCI, someone from the Royal Champions usually has an answer and is kind enough to help them.

 

I don't feel the need to be "rewarded" for that. The real reward is the huge advantage we have as members of this website. The information sharing here gives all members of Cruise Critic the opportunity to know much more about cruising than the general public. It's a great research tool, and a chance to meet people you will be sailing with.

 

Well said. I agree completely. I love the information I get on this web site, and it's the first place I go if I have a question.

[Cuizer2]

I am very close to achieving Diamond Plus. I feel the criteria for achieving is posted. I have felt the Royal Champion Program is rewarding people on internet usage not dollars or number of cruises.

 

There has secrecy according to RCCL we were quoted by a loyalty specialist via email. This response was after the person told my husband via phone that selection was random.

 

"Royal Champions are selected based on a proprietary methodology to recognize influential online contributors, however, not all online posters will be named Royal Champions. The Royal Champions program is completely separate from the Crown & Anchor Society. Perks received by Royal Champions do not duplicate or replace benefits received by Crown & Anchor Society members. Membership tier and/or number of cruises in Crown & Anchor are not selection factors for Royal Champions. We continue to provide exclusive invitations and benefits to our most loyal Crown & Anchor Society members. "

 

I find this disturbing, since I found this online today

 

http://www.customerinsightgroup.com/loyaltyblog/

 

"Royal Carribean Case Study

Identifying Brand Advocates: Royal Caribbean worked with Nielsen Buzz Metrics to identify enthusiastic online supporters of Royal Caribbean. Using a combination of automated and manual techniques, they identified online communities that discuss Royal Caribbean Cruises. Relying on data mining software and human expertise in word-of-mouth analysis, they measured awareness, identifying emergent qualitative themes of discussion on blogs, travel forums, usernets to gain a better understanding of how consumers discuss Royal Caribbean cruises. Fifty Royal Caribbean Champions were chosen for both quality and quantity of posts with many having over 10,000 message board posts on various Royal Caribbean topics. While Champions were primarily found on Cruise Critic, they also posted on travel communities, usenet groups, travel blogs and personal journals."

 

 

This marketing champaign has negative impact on my family.

The program rewards people who have hours to spend on the internet, I have to work during the day. Our last cruise was on NCL and was great, my kids shocked when I told them we were going on another cruise line. I now tell everyone not to be loyal to one cruise line since the dollars I have spent don't seem to matter.

 

My issues are:

 

One what is the secret about the "Royal Champion " program why was I told one thing in an email and another posted on the internet.

 

Why is Royal rewarding people for postings not dollars spent?

 

One is one cruiser more important than another?

 

I know I will get flack from the Royal Champions, but my interest is how other RCCL cruisers feel about not being a champion.

 

I read your post and you come off as envious or jealous or both. Why does everything have to be about money? If the people are supportive, then they deserve to be selected. I have read the posts of several of the people that were selected and they are very deserving.

 

I guess you just found out that money can't buy everything.

[cruisePRN]

Cruise critic has so many Travel Agents, Royal Champions and Cheer leaders it's hard to get a really neutral opinion or review of Cruising. When people express their feelings and it isn't all warm and fuzzy to RCL they get attacked as jealous or whiny or worse.

[reallyitsmema]

This is the first I have heard of 'Royal Champions'. I never knew such a thing existed. Can I just ask..

 

1. What perks/rewards do these people get?

 

2. Do they all put 'Royal Champion' in their signatures?

 

I would prefer to know, when someone is giving me advice or an opinion, whether they are being rewarded or not. I can then decide whether I need to 'weight down' their answers. I am not saying I would ignore what they say but I would certainly bear it in mind.

There are royal champions that are very knowledgeable and helpful and there are others that post inaccurate information on a daily basis. I weigh everything I read on cruise critic based on the posters history. I will total discount anything said by someone who is a know-it-all with a history of biased, inaccurate information but I will rarely question someone who posts only their personal experiences and not what "they read somewhere". Having said that, I also give the new posters a chance too, we all had a first post at some time.

[ribarfly]

You could also just completely disregard anything posted by a Royal Champion. It won't hurt anyone's feelings. I come here to help where I can and I come here to get help when I can get it. Sometimes I come here to just pass some time with some of my on-line "friends" talking about one of my favorite subjects which happens to be cruising. There is nothing more, or less, to it than that. If I ever get anything from RCI for being part of the group that is fine. And if I never get anything for it that will be just as fine.

 

Not being honest about what one thinks concerning what RCI is or what they are doing makes no sense. If we post only what we think RCI wants us to say and they get the sense that we like something that we really don't and then go in that direction then RCI my eventually morph into a product that I don't want to use anyway no matter what perk I get. So what would be the point? I don't get enough time off to spend it using a product that I don't like. I don't care if the price is free.

 

Again, take anything written here with as many grains of salt as you like. It all good.

 

Hey, Ocean Boy I have always been meaning to ask what part of Rhode Island you are from? I am on the east bay side, Tiverton:)

Ok, looks like I need to get my posting count up;) What’s the big deal as far as I am concerned I am a Royal champion in my mind:) Ten years of Loyal Royal crusing and counting with RCL and a Diamond + C&A member what more does one need:confused::D

[crusinmama06]

Hear hear.

 

I have been called so many names by the anti RCI folks, that I think RCI owes me at least a title of Royal Champion. Not to mention a few free cruises.

 

Alas, I am just little ole me, a nobody. O well!

 

jc

 

Same here...lol. Everytime someone from CC books their family on a Royal Caribbean ship based on my recommendation, I joke that Royal owes me at least a fruit tray at this point...lol. :D

 

So if we ever sail together JC, I will buy you a few drinks and you can send me an apple. :p

 

And everyone else, calm down. ;) The new RCs really haven't received anything yet. The original RC's were invited to one pre-inaugural and a press conference in NYC about Oasis.

 

We could go round in round why some were invited and some weren't. God knows I've gone round and round in my head about this. ;) But in the end it doesn't matter. Someone once said "Isn't it nice when the biggest problem in your life is vacation?" And that's true. We are talking about a vacation here. We are all lucky, especially in this economy, to be able to take cruises when most are worrying about how they can pay their next bill.

 

So RCs can have their titles. Those who are loyal to Royal will continue to be so without the title. :D

 

Happy cruising all! :D

[glgolfer]

If you've never read it, here's my comparison of RCI and Celebrities Millennium.

 

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=37689

[g_rock]

OK I haves some more two cents to toss in. While I'm a newbie in CC, I've been around internet boards and forums a time or two. It is interesting how similar most internet communities are, despite the topics.

 

There is always a jealousy between groups of folks...the haves and the have nots. Either folks want to be a part of a group or they want to alienate themselves from that. It happens all over in real life and in internet communities, right? I mean that is why this is such a hot topic. It touches a nerve one way or another.

 

But when it comes down to it, with C&A benefits not what they used to be, random upgrades, suite perks, RC perks that may or may not really exist....you know what? The playing field seems more level than a lot of us view it as. But I guess it is more about how folks view themselves within this community.

 

Despite everything, I really enjoy reading this!

[nanfromatlanta]

That would be fine by me! I think southerners who jump on discounted cruises at the last minute would be hard-pressed not to have a higher status than those of us who pay air that sometimes comprises a third of the price of the trip or more, meaning that we generally buy longer, more expensive cruises to make it worth it. I always find it funny when folks are complaining about the fact that cruises sailing out of San Juan are discounted to locals at the last minute that nobody mentions the fact that Floridians also benefit greatly from the glut of last-minute deals.

 

Very well put, and thank you for including that often overlooked bit of information. Maybe one of these days (I hope), people will stop complaining about the resident rates offered to the Puerto Ricans... :rolleyes:

[negc]

Cruise critic has so many Travel Agents, Royal Champions and Cheer leaders it's hard to get a really neutral opinion or review of Cruising. When people express their feelings and it isn't all warm and fuzzy to RCL they get attacked as jealous or whiny or worse.

 

Read some of those posts again that get attacked and see if most of the criticism they evoke isn't pretty much justified by their one-sided and frequently inaccurate and unfair statements. Very frequently, those posts which are attacked as "jealous or whiny" are exactly that. There are plenty of well-presented and well thought out complaints about RCI and other cruiselines and when they are posted, you will find far more agreement on these boards than knee-jerk dismissals. TAs, RCs, and even die-hard RCI enthusiasts don't automatically give up their ability to see things objectively and if you read these boards carefully you will see that this is more often true than not. To dismiss their opinions arbitrarily simply because you believe that their objectivity is compromised by their status in life will cause you to miss out on some very valuable information and insights. :)

[bgsimp]

Everyone sing!

 

We aren't the champions, my friends.

 

And we'll keep on whining till the end.

 

[bgsimp]

Wow ! This is has been quite a thread.

I better clean off some of the spit & drool.

 

 

[cruisinMike]

Cruise critic has so many Travel Agents, Royal Champions and Cheer leaders it's hard to get a really neutral opinion or review of Cruising. When people express their feelings and it isn't all warm and fuzzy to RCL they get attacked as jealous or whiny or worse.

 

While I agree with you that there are many here who have a vested interest in one form or another, you will pay heck to try to get anyone that could possibly admit to being influenced one way or another by membership. Although I say it somewhat tongue-in-cheek, it kind of reminds me of the senator that would say that his decision to aid a company with grants was not influenced by his willingnes to accept free transportation around the world on their corporate jets.

 

It's not there is any conflict of interest, it can be just the appearance of it that can be a concern. Therefore, as with any public internet site, buyer beware.

 

But really this site is no different then any other site that will have its shills. The only difference I see is the incomprehensible loyalty to one of these cruise companies. I've seen such nonsense loyalty to the point of people here purchasing stock at inflated levels, trying to convince other to purchase it, and then proclaiming it was still a good purchase because of OBC after it crashes. Only on cruise critic et al.