Letter to Diamond Members (Merged Threads)

[cinnamon]

This is not a whine.

 

We are due to sail on Serenade on 2nd May. One of the passengers on our Roll Call is staying in a suite and has received an email from the Concierge, Kenneth. It tells him that he can have pre-dinner drinks in the Vortex Lounge and Continental breakfast in Portofinos. It also states that these facillities are only available to suite guests!

 

I understood the new regime regarding Diamond members was announced for July then postponed till September. Does anyone else know anything about this? I was really looking forward to my second and last time in a CL.

[Debde]

First-I too was under the assumption that this was postponed until September.

Second-Suite guests should have full access to the CL so I would also be confused. Why would the concierge be e-mailing someone-who is sailing in a suite and then tell them to go elsewhere. :confused:

[Rancher Dave]

I'd recommend emailing and asking how they are handling the D and D+ guests. If he answers D get nada, then go to RCCL Corporate since that ship would be out of step with corporate guidance.

[greeneng]

What kind of Suite? Junior Suite passengers do not get CL access unless they are Diamond or D+. Only Grand Suite (and larger) passengers have automatic CL privileges. The Serenade may have just set up an overflow area if they have too many passengers with CL access.

 

Jim

[insulationbabe]

Well here's what I heard from Crown and Anchor - Diamond members will not be allowed in the CL only diamond plus and suite cruises will be - they say there will be a Diamond lounge which will serve drinks at a discount, wine and champagne and a continental breakfast - not sure when this will all start - I was also told the other day by Crown and Anchor that they will have a "special event" every night for Diamond members, what that meant I have no idea.

We will be Diamond members after our January 9th sailing on the Grandeur - we took a Junior Suite because its almost as reasonable as a balcony room

The wording on the Royal Carribean site is a little vague - so if you need to know anything more, call Crown and Anchor - too many people on Cruise

Critic say things that may not be true - guess like they say if you want information go to the source:)

[cinnamon]

What kind of Suite? Junior Suite passengers do not get CL access unless they are Diamond or D+. Only Grand Suite (and larger) passengers have automatic CL privileges. The Serenade may have just set up an overflow area if they have too many passengers with CL access.

 

Jim

He is in a Grand Suite.

I understand they may be setting up an overflow lounge for D & D+ but surely the CL would be used for the Suite guests?

[negc]

First-I too was under the assumption that this was postponed until September.

Second-Suite guests should have full access to the CL so I would also be confused. Why would the concierge be e-mailing someone-who is sailing in a suite and then tell them to go elsewhere. :confused:

 

I think it would be advisable to read the exact wording of the email before trying to conclude what was intended. RCI's official policy is that no changes in eligibility for access to the CL will take place prior to September 1st. If there are a large number of Diamond,Diamond Plus and Suite guests on this Serenade sailing, it may be that it has already been decided to move the cocktail hour to the Vortex and, perhaps, to offer continental breakfast somewhere other than the CL because of crowding issues, but without seeing the actual wording of the note, it is dangerous to reach any firm conclusions. Since the OP's information is second-hand, it is even more important to know exactly what the concierge wrote and not what the OP's friend reported that he wrote.:)

[Charles4515]

Now the socialising has been dealt with, its all about the free drinks!!:eek::D

 

I guess you think that makes a good debating point but a debating point is all it is from what I have read.

 

As far as Royal Caribbean being the best of the mass market lines.....that is your opinion. I have been on over 30 cruises and I think Royal Caribbean is best at some things and other mass market cruise lines are best at other things. For one thing, Royal Caribbean needs to fix the food! It has the worst food on the mass market lines compared to the others except for NCL.

[piercetc4]

royal caribbean is our favorite cruiseline- BUT from now on we will check prices on other lines as well as royal caribbean-

for this fall we looked at a caribbean cruise- priced ccl liberty and rci liberty of the seas- e2 balcony vs 8a balcony - price was 700 less on ccl liberty- we ended up booking rci freedom ( long story..lol) because we have visa points to use that brings the price we will pay more in line with ccl liberty price..... otherwise we would have booked ccl liberty-

before all the cutbacks with the c and a program/ changes to diamond bennies etc... we only looked at royal caribbean ships and itinerarys- now we will consider any cruiseline going where we want to go when we can go and base the cruise choice on bottomline -

[negc]

Well here's what I heard from Crown and Anchor - Diamond members will not be allowed in the CL only diamond plus and suite cruises will be - they say there will be a Diamond lounge which will serve drinks at a discount, wine and champagne and a continental breakfast - not sure when this will all start - I was also told the other day by Crown and Anchor that they will have a "special event" every night for Diamond members, what that meant I have no idea.

We will be Diamond members after our January 9th sailing on the Grandeur - we took a Junior Suite because its almost as reasonable as a balcony room

The wording on the Royal Carribean site is a little vague - so if you need to know anything more, call Crown and Anchor - too many people on Cruise

Critic say things that may not be true - guess like they say if you want information go to the source:)

What you heard from C&A is correct. What they may have failed to tell you is that this change in policy takes effect on September 1, 2009, not July1, 2009 as originally announced. Since the Serenade sailing is prior to both the July and September dates, the confusion is understandable.

[insulationbabe]

Oops sorry - upon reading further it states these special events for Diamond and Diamond Plus members will only be on ships without a Diamond Lounge - I believe the Freedom class and above are the ships that have a Lounge for Diamond members - the ones that dont will serve been champagne and a discount on other drinks :)

[cinnamon]

I have messaged the original recipeint of the email and asked if he would mind copying it to here as you seem to think my information is not to be trusted.

 

I do understand that they might have already decided to have overflow breakfast and drinks venues but the email states that the CL is for Suite guests only!

[sealord]

 

Very odd - before the recent concession/addition of the 'new' Diamond Lounge, it wasn't about the free drinks - it was all about the socialising.

 

Now the socialising has been dealt with, its all about the free drinks!!:eek::D

 

 

So many people have commented on this issue, it is difficult to believe that this 'simplistic' view still get's espoused.

 

For most of the people posting on the subject, it is all of the below ... so to speak. Noting that some people don't drink, it is about the socializing, the atmosphere, the 'drinks', the coffee/coffee machine, the breakfast, the quiet place, the lounge chairs, the concierge, the computers, and even the toaster. To continue to repeat "its all about the drinks" implies that ... forget it. I'm going to try to stay on the high road.:confused:

[scotsman]

Hi Bill (negc)

Its George from your Jewel repo cruise.

 

This is the email I received fron the concierge today.

 

My name is ***** and I will be your Concierge onboard the beautiful ******* of the Seas.We are excited that you have chosen Royal Caribbean for your cruise vacation.

 

As a Concierge Club guest, you will be offered amenities and services not available to other guests onboard. Upon boarding, you will receive a folder with more detailed information as well as the key to the Concierge Club. Below is a brief summary of your amenities:

 

· Use of the Concierge Lounge located on deck 10

· Continental breakfast served in the Portofino Restaurant located on deck 6 from 7.00 am to 10.00 am.

· Hors d’oeuvres, petit fours and complimentary bar setup in the Vortex lounge deck 13 every evening from 5:00 pm to 8:30 pm.

Please enjoy all drinks in the comfort of the Vortex Lounge. Thank you.

· Daily menus displayed and pre-ordering for your dinner wine.

· Reservations for any of our specialty restaurants, sports activities, Explorations!, Salon and Spa appointments, etc. (Please feel free to put in any requests via e-mail for the Spa, Explorations or Specialty Restaurants!!! Thank you very much)

· Arrangements for private parties.

· Personalized Discover Shopping advice.

· Business services such as faxes, copies, etc.

 

Salon & Spa appointments, shore excursions and some of our other services often sell out. Therefore, it is recommended that these be booked in advance either through the Royal Caribbean website at http://www.royalcaribbean.com/home.do or if you prefer, by emailing me and I will make the reservations for you. Once the reservations are made, I will send you an email confirming the details. Remember, in order to avoid disappointment, it is recommended that you book in advance.

 

The Concierge Club is a private lounge reserved for guests staying in the Royal Suite, Royal Family Suites, Owner’s Suites and Grand Suites ONLY. The lounge is accessible with your stateroom key on a 24-hour basis. Due to the adult oriented atmosphere and availability of alcoholic beverages in the evening, only guests of 18 years and above are permitted in the lounge. We respectfully request that guests use footwear and appropriate dress while in the lounge. The lounge has been designated a smoke-free area.

 

I look forward to hearing from you and meeting you in person. Please feel free to email me with any questions you may to the following email address: sr_concierge@rccl.com. Have a safe and pleasant flight.

 

[linedancer]

So many people have commented on this issue, it is difficult to believe that this 'simplistic' view still get's espoused.

 

For most of the people posting on the subject, it is all of the below ... so to speak. Noting that some people don't drink, it is about the socializing, the atmosphere, the 'drinks', the coffee/coffee machine, the breakfast, the quiet place, the lounge chairs, the concierge, the computers, and even the toaster. To continue to repeat "its all about the drinks" implies that ... forget it. I'm going to try to stay on the high road.:confused:

 

Well we can say it's not about the free drinks, if they can say it's about the over crowding. They say they don't have enough room, but yet they now can find a lounge to accommadate us, but we have to pay for the drinks. Bottom line, it is about the money. The money they will save and the money we now have to spend.

 

Irene

[cinnamon]

Can anyone else explain this email?

[CGTNORMANDIE]

HI GEORGE!!!

 

Do me a favor and email me at BIOCLEAN at RCN.COM

 

Thanks.

 

R

[vickiw0318]

Yes, there are two different issues here. This type of email is solely received by suite guests who are the only ones - to my knowledge - that ever get emails from the concierge in advance of a sailing. (I'm not a D+, but on ships where we have had concierge or Diamond club privileges in relation to our diamond status, we've never received an email.) We've always received a very cordial welcome packet in our cabin with keys and information. The packet has referenced many issues such as those mentioned in the email. (The part about breakfast in Portofino does relate to one of the new perks in RCI suite guest package.)

 

The last time I sailed on a Radiance class ship, the happy hour for everyone - diamond or suite guests was held in one of the lounges, not in the concierge club. It probably has something to do with the number of guests and their comfort. My diamond level tablemates enjoyed it every night.

 

I would imagine that until 9/1, that the suite guests will continue to receive such emails and all of us diamonds will be cordially welcomed upon arrival onboard - just as we have always been.

[cinnamon]

Thanks Vicki, but the email says the CL is for Suite guests ONLY. That means no access for Diamonds during the day for coffees. I am more than happy to be in a lounge or the CL for drinks and breakfast but had really looked forward to the cappuchinos during the day.

 

I understand that those of us who are Diamond but not staying in a suite do not receive emails from the Concierge and am very happy with a note on embarkation. I would just like that CL Key :)

[booze brothers]

I would be a bit surprised if anyone who is already Diamond Plus, or anyone who routinely books a 'real' suite, has a great deal of sympathy for those of us who only recently became Diamond. Let us not forget also that it was fairly recent that 'Diamond' was the zenith of C&A. In my view the Diamond Plus level was established to facilitate 'moving the goal posts'. Or, is it to believed that one would be 'loyal' for fourteen more cruises to obtain the coveted prefered 'dining table location'? There was very little reward for being Diamond Plus until they took the CL benefit away from the Diamonds, effectively transfering it to Diamond Plus. "Concierge Lounge benefit after ten cruises ... oops ... we didn't mean that, we meant 24 cruises." That would be a 240% increase thank you very much.

Anyway, just a short rant to stay on point.

 

The puppy is a cockapoo named Jack. We also have a blonde one named Rocky. They are big boys for cockapoos ... thirty and forty pounds.:)

 

That just isn't true. I've been D+ for some time now and believe me, I feel for you. I would have been very unhappy if I had just reached diamond and then the ax fell.

But, I do think it's time people just accepted the fact that this is the way it's going to be and stop beating yourself up (and RCL) All this anger isn't going to change things.:cool:

It'll be ok ~ you'll still be able to be with friends in the lounge and that's what is important.

Tell you what, I can get a pretty good buzz, just drinking wine. If RCL decides to make the lounges for suite guests only, I can deal with it.

 

Jack is sooooo cute. How about a picture of Rocky.

Mimi

[Elizanessie]

Hi Corrine

 

Ok now that email doesnt make sense really does it :confused:

 

CL deck 10...(for Concierge assistance?)

brekkie in portifino

drinkies deck 13

 

Just for Suite guests although cruise is before 1st Sept.

 

:confused:

 

Shouldnt it all be as normal until 1st Sept. No mention of D & Dplus in CL.

 

Ok now I have confused myself :o

[booze brothers]

Bob, Good post!!! To be honest, we don't drink a lot and having 2 coupons per night to use each is more than enough for us. I just think it's so tacky the way they are going to do it now....................it's like saying "come to a party but bring your own food and buy your own drink". Not everyone drinks wine or champayne........okay, I drink wine but don't always want it that early because it makes me sleepy..........DH will maybe have wine with a meal but that's about it.........he's not much of a wine drinker and definitely not champ. We won a bottle of champ on one of our crusies and we gave it away to another cruiser that we met. Maybe there are some that go to the CL and drink heavily, but from what I've seen I would think the majority doesn't, at least I haven't seen anyone act like that.

 

I absolutely agree with your post about the crowding issue.........I would like D and D+ to be able to be in our own lounge and leave the CL to the Suites because that was originally the reason for the change (overcrowding). I know that D+ will be allowed to come to the "party" for D's each night but why would they if they can only have wine or champ and have to pay for their drinks. We have lots of friends that are D+ so this is disappointing to say the least. That's one of the reasons that I'm hoping RCCL softens their new plan because I think eventually, the D+ will be outed from the CL as well and will end up with D's buyng their own drinks too. That's why I think the D+ people should be writing to RCCL and voicing their opinions too because sometime down the road I think this will effect them as well.

 

I also agree about those that are just on the thread with no opinions and no suggestions and tell everyone to "get over it". Everyone is entitled to their opinion on this issue, however, no one is entitled to tell anyone to "just get over it". Let's all try to respect each other!! To me I'm more upset at how RCCL went about this whole think...........just showed me that I'm not sure I can trust their honesty and integrity.

 

Patty, I'm more concerned with combining credits than I am with the lounge. Yes, being D+, we do have a choice of lounges but being with friends is far more important. Hee hee, think Walt can sneak his beer out of the concierge?

[CruiseKeeper]

That just isn't true. I've been D+ for some time now and believe me, I feel for you. I would have been very unhappy if I had just reached diamond and then the ax fell.

 

But, I do think it's time people just accepted the fact that this is the way it's going to be and stop beating yourself up (and RCL) All this anger isn't going to change things.:cool:

 

It'll be ok ~ you'll still be able to be with friends in the lounge and that's what is important.

 

Tell you what, I can get a pretty good buzz, just drinking wine. If RCL decides to make the lounges for suite guests only, I can deal with it.

 

Jack is sooooo cute. How about a picture of Rocky.

 

Mimi

 

Me thinks you were just watching me Mimi. :o

[negc]

Hi Bill (negc)

Its George from your Jewel repo cruise.

 

This is the email I received fron the concierge today.

 

My name is ***** and I will be your Concierge onboard the beautiful ******* of the Seas.We are excited that you have chosen Royal Caribbean for your cruise vacation.

 

As a Concierge Club guest, you will be offered amenities and services not available to other guests onboard. Upon boarding, you will receive a folder with more detailed information as well as the key to the Concierge Club. Below is a brief summary of your amenities:

 

· Use of the Concierge Lounge located on deck 10

· Continental breakfast served in the Portofino Restaurant located on deck 6 from 7.00 am to 10.00 am.

· Hors d’oeuvres, petit fours and complimentary bar setup in the Vortex lounge deck 13 every evening from 5:00 pm to 8:30 pm.

Please enjoy all drinks in the comfort of the Vortex Lounge. Thank you.

· Daily menus displayed and pre-ordering for your dinner wine.

· Reservations for any of our specialty restaurants, sports activities, Explorations!, Salon and Spa appointments, etc. (Please feel free to put in any requests via e-mail for the Spa, Explorations or Specialty Restaurants!!! Thank you very much)

· Arrangements for private parties.

· Personalized Discover Shopping advice.

· Business services such as faxes, copies, etc.

 

Salon & Spa appointments, shore excursions and some of our other services often sell out. Therefore, it is recommended that these be booked in advance either through the Royal Caribbean website at http://www.royalcaribbean.com/home.do or if you prefer, by emailing me and I will make the reservations for you. Once the reservations are made, I will send you an email confirming the details. Remember, in order to avoid disappointment, it is recommended that you book in advance.

 

The Concierge Club is a private lounge reserved for guests staying in the Royal Suite, Royal Family Suites, Owner’s Suites and Grand Suites ONLY. The lounge is accessible with your stateroom key on a 24-hour basis. Due to the adult oriented atmosphere and availability of alcoholic beverages in the evening, only guests of 18 years and above are permitted in the lounge. We respectfully request that guests use footwear and appropriate dress while in the lounge. The lounge has been designated a smoke-free area.

 

I look forward to hearing from you and meeting you in person. Please feel free to email me with any questions you may to the following email address: sr_concierge@rccl.com. Have a safe and pleasant flight.

 

Hi George. Good to hear from you. Thanks for providing the text of the email you received. Up until the paragraph that states that the Concierge Club is reserved for suite guests only, I have no quarrels with what the concierge has written. However, his statement about limiting access to the club to suite guests is completely contrary to everything that RCI, including its president, Adam Goldstein, have stated publicly, as well as on their official website and in emails to CC members who have shared those messages with us.

My most generous explanation of this situation is that the concierge either does not fully understand his employer's policies or has a problem communicating those policies correctly.:rolleyes: Anyone sailing on the Serenade prior to September 1st should contact RCI directly and request:1) a re-affirmation that Diamond members access to the concierge lounge will not be restricted on any cruises prior to September 1st, and 2) that the Concierge of the Serenade be notified of the official policy of the cruiseline and instructed to follow it to the letter.

[vickiw0318]

Yes, I do see that in the lower paragraphs. If this is in reference to his upcoming Serenade cruise, I am still guessing that I am correct. May is even before the original July 1 change date. I am wondering if the ONLY refers to other friends/relatives that may be traveling with a suite guest in non-suite cabins. Diamond privileges have not yet been rescinded so there will be something comparable on board and information will be in the cabins when you arrive.