Diamond members..are you aware of this policy?

[grand isle joe]

Originally Posted by kruz

I'm a D+ and am bringing a first time Royal cruiser on board with me. I have no intentions of telling him anything about the Consierge lounge as I will not be rude and leave him to be on his own while I partake.
Really not a big deal.

Plus by your post you really wouldn't fit in with a large number in the D.L. and C.L. Complete opposite of the " gimmmes" that lurk around and moan about everything.....even the freebies....

[herbanrenewal]

While I understand and respect the policy, I agree that some concierges make the situation very difficult. I travel mostly with my best friend since my DH doesn't like to travel much. I know from cruising with either my DH or friend on Celebrity that they could join me at Elite Events. In November on the Navigator TA my friend joined me for the first 3 nights. no one ever mentioned the rule. On the 4 th night she was embarrassed at the door and made to feel like we were trying to crash an event she had no right to be at. It was very embarrassing, and made both of us uncomfortable.

I actually wasn't sure of the policy, and posted a question on CC. I found some of the responses bordering on being as rude as our ship-board experience.

There are two issues - the RULES, and adherence to the rules...same applies to chair hogs, theater seat reserving, drinks smuggling, kids in adult only areas, formal night attire etc


It surely would help if rules were explaned consistently before hand and consistently upheld throughout the organization's facilities.

[gadaboutgal]

As a Diamond or Diamond+ member of C&A, wouldn’t you want to know what you are entitled to or NOT entitled to? The error in the OP’s situation is that she did not know what her benefits entitled-for herself or others. Assuming, but actually not knowing, the benefits caused the embarrassment. Isn’t it up to any member of any organization to make themselves familiar with the actual rules so they are not denied any rightful privileges? Maybe the good that will come out of OP's posting is that D and D+ will actually review what the benefits are/are not available to them as written in the RCL website. Those who will ignore or defy the rules take their own chances.

[Debde]

Originally Posted by gadaboutgal

As a Diamond or Diamond+ member of C&A, wouldn’t you want to know what you are entitled to or NOT entitled to? The error in the OP’s situation is that she did not know what her benefits entitled-for herself or others. Assuming, but actually not knowing, the benefits caused the embarrassment. Isn’t it up to any member of any organization to make themselves familiar with the actual rules so they are not denied any rightful privileges? Maybe the good that will come out of OP's posting is that D and D+ will actually review what the benefits are/are not available to them as written in the RCL website. Those who will ignore or defy the rules take their own chances.

I agree with what you said but had to post it on my notepad and blow up the font!!

[Aquahound]

Originally Posted by Mark_K

Maybe they only send it to known troublemakers.

Hey, thank you!

Who knows, if they really keep dosiers on people like suggested in this thread, that very well might be true.

[Dave85]

Originally Posted by herbanrenewal

I actually wasn't sure of the policy, and posted a question on CC. I found some of the responses bordering on being as rude as our ship-board experience.

That has, unfortunately, been known to happen on these boards. I think the majority of posters here are good, helpful people though who will answer your question to the best of their knowledge... so try to ignore the nonsense!

[gerif]

Originally Posted by herbanrenewal

While I understand and respect the policy, I agree that some concierges make the situation very difficult. I travel mostly with my best friend since my DH doesn't like to travel much. I know from cruising with either my DH or friend on Celebrity that they could join me at Elite Events. In November on the Navigator TA my friend joined me for the first 3 nights. no one ever mentioned the rule. On the 4 th night she was embarrassed at the door and made to feel like we were trying to crash an event she had no right to be at. It was very embarrassing, and made both of us uncomfortable.

I actually wasn't sure of the policy, and posted a question on CC. I found some of the responses bordering on being as rude as our ship-board experience.

There are two issues - the RULES, and adherence to the rules...same applies to chair hogs, theater seat reserving, drinks smuggling, kids in adult only areas, formal night attire etc


It surely would help if rules were explaned consistently before hand and consistently upheld throughout the organization's facilities.

So, if you've sailed on both lines, surely you are aware that Celebrity does not have identical rules (e.g., they allow you to carry on two bottles of wine, do not permit smoking on balconies, etc.), so there was no reason to believe they would permit non-D cruisers into the DL. Actually, you say you posted a question on CC. I'm guessing the "rude" responses were ones that told you you could not do this, but if confused, you surely could have inquired the first night.

How do some concierges make things difficult? By adhering to the rules? It's likely your friend wasn't noticed the first three nights (or maybe noticed by others who complained?). If you were "made to feel like we were trying to crash an event she had no right to be at", well, weren't you? Sorry you were embarrassed, but it was your own fault.

[herbanrenewal]

Originally Posted by gerif

So, if you've sailed on both lines, surely you are aware that Celebrity does not have identical rules (e.g., they allow you to carry on two bottles of wine, do not permit smoking on balconies, etc.), so there was no reason to believe they would permit non-D cruisers into the DL. Actually, you say you posted a question on CC. I'm guessing the "rude" responses were ones that told you you could not do this, but if confused, you surely could have inquired the first night.

How do some concierges make things difficult? By adhering to the rules? It's likely your friend wasn't noticed the first three nights (or maybe noticed by others who complained?). If you were "made to feel like we were trying to crash an event she had no right to be at", well, weren't you? Sorry you were embarrassed, but it was your own fault.

Thanks for your opinion. However, my C&A contact had told me there was a lounge "just like the Elite lounge on Celebrity". She knew who I was sharing the room with and knew this was our first RCCL cruise and my friend was not yet elite on Celebrity.
I understood this to mean we could both use the lounge, and did for three days. From reading this board I now know that much advice told by customer service reps from RCCL is not accurate. As a new customer I did not know the real experts are on CC, not the company's representatives.

At that time we were not just advised we had been told the wrong information by the C&A representative, but we're belittled as rule breakers- which connotates deliberate breaking of rules, not inaccurate information given.

"(or maybe noticed by others who complained?)"
How would others in the lounge know our status. Let alone complain about our presence? In fact the two of us made several friends who later asked why we stopped going for pre-dinner drinks

I appreciate your superior ability to be all knowing, but I do not see this as "my own fault"

It seems peculiar to me that so many other rules are broken by so many, yet at a customer loyalty benefit function we were ridiculed. And when I try to explain my reaction NOT to the rules but to the unfriendly and rude treatment we received I am told it is my own fault.

[gadaboutgal]

Puzzled?! Did you not receive the letter inviting you to the Diamond Lounge/Event? And wasn't it stated in the letter where the event was to be held and who/who not were invited?

[jjb415]

Originally Posted by OGCFreddie

Sorry to hear you feel this way, but, yes, that has always been their policy. Like others have said, sometimes the concierge will "look the other way", but I, too, have had guests I was traveling with in my cabin turned away. As for your friend being embarrased, I am sorry this happened, but I have to wonder why she was so upset. Had you already promised her that she would be able to go with you? If that's the case, maybe you were the one who was actually embarrased. Personally, I don't feel that you are justified in being mad at the cruise line simply because one of its employees was following the rules. JMHO, of course.

I agree with you.

[herbanrenewal]

Originally Posted by jjb415

I agree with you.

6 The Exclusive Nightly Diamond Event for Diamond, Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club members will take place approximately 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm in a dedicated lounge and will feature complimentary wine, champagne (sparkling wine) and fountain drinks, and a 'happy hour' discount of 25% off beer and drinks with liquor. Drinks will need to be consumed within the venue during the hours of the event and can not be removed from the venue.


15 The Concierge Lounge is designated as a smoke-free area. We respectfully request that guests observe a Smart Casual dress code when visiting the Lounge (no swim or pool attire is allowed, footwear is required at all times). Guests 21 years and younger must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times. Guests and friends of Suite guests/Diamond Plus members are not allowed into the Concierge lounge due to limited space.

This is what I READ and I had the verbal confirmation from the C&A rep that the same experience as we had with Celebrity would be extended to Diamond. We went to the diamond lounge, not concierge lounge. the member benefits clearly state no guests IN THE CONCIERGE (DIAMOND PLUS) LOUNGE.

I receieved no notice that explained that my roommate was not allowed.

And I reported that I was treated rudely, not that I was mad because of enforcement of previously unknown rules.

Please understand the difference. I respect the rules and next month we will not attempt to breach the hallowed doors of the righteous.

We had wine packages before, and have them again. While we enjoyed The Dungeon where the Diamond nightly event was held, I'm sure we will have a better time with friends I've met on our roll call, members of a newly formed group, the Steerage Society, meeting in the Champaigne Bar on the Mariner TA next month.They seem like a much warmer and accepting group then I've experienced on this thread.

[debmarie]

Originally Posted by herbanrenewal

6 The Exclusive Nightly Diamond Event for Diamond, Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club members will take place approximately 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm in a dedicated lounge and will feature complimentary wine, champagne (sparkling wine) and fountain drinks, and a 'happy hour' discount of 25% off beer and drinks with liquor. Drinks will need to be consumed within the venue during the hours of the event and can not be removed from the venue.


15 The Concierge Lounge is designated as a smoke-free area. We respectfully request that guests observe a Smart Casual dress code when visiting the Lounge (no swim or pool attire is allowed, footwear is required at all times). Guests 21 years and younger must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times. Guests and friends of Suite guests/Diamond Plus members are not allowed into the Concierge lounge due to limited space.

I agree that it really isn't clear. They make a point of saying no guests in the Concierge Lounge but don't make that same distinction for the Diamond Lounge. Because of this we contacted RCCL and the response (in writing) we received from was to check once we got on board. If there were not too many Diamond members on board, they MIGHT be able to accommodate a travel partner. So it isn't really accurate to say that guests are never allowed. The staff does have the authority to make exceptions. All you can do is ask. But, because of the number of Diamond members, I think on most sailings the answer will be "no".

[Gator83]

This just happened to me on a cruise too. My friends are Diamond members and they have been able to take others that shared their cabin in the past. On this cruise I guess Royal held to the policy and unfortunately it caused a lot of problems for all involved. I understand the policy but they should stick to it at all times instead of allowing it at times and not allowing it at other times. Because my friends thought I would be able to join them we expected it and it is part of the reason I even agreed to go on the cruise and share the cabin. By allowing it at times and then not allowing it at times it causes a lot of bad feelings and confusion. My friends felt bad for me and I felt bad that they felt bad.

Royal needs to stick with the policy or change it where if someone shares a cabin that person can join in the Diamond events.

[OGCFreddie]

Originally Posted by Gator83

This just happened to me on a cruise too. My friends are Diamond members and they have been able to take others that shared their cabin in the past. On this cruise I guess Royal held to the policy and unfortunately it caused a lot of problems for all involved. I understand the policy but they should stick to it at all times instead of allowing it at times and not allowing it at other times. Because my friends thought I would be able to join them we expected it and it is part of the reason I even agreed to go on the cruise and share the cabin. By allowing it at times and then not allowing it at times it causes a lot of bad feelings and confusion. My friends felt bad for me and I felt bad that they felt bad.

Royal needs to stick with the policy or change it where if someone shares a cabin that person can join in the Diamond events.

Again, I understand your feelings but you have to understand Royal's viewpoint. In the past, Diamond members would "loan" other people in their cabins (or sometimes even friends not in their cabins) the special keys for the lounges. I am sure that Royal opened their eyes to this problem and were forced to do something about it. Now, not only do they have the key (which is your seapass card rather than a dedicated lounge key as in the past) but they also check you against a list on the first night or when they see a new face.

This was your very first RCCL cruise, according to your signature, and your friends should not have made you a promise they could not be sure to keep. There is no reason for you to feel bad but I do think that your irritation with the person who was in charge of the lounge or with Royal is unjustified. I also feel that it is a shame that your decision to take a cruise with your friends resided so much on having access to the Diamond Lounge rather than having the opportunity to sail on a ship like the Allure with your friends.

[storm1of4]

Originally Posted by Dave85

Yes, I was aware of this policy distinction... I agree though that it's awkward and unfortunate that it played out like that.

On the Oasis last November, my then girlfirend / now fiancee was allowed in to the DL with me (she's not diamond)... but we were not treated well AT ALL by the Diamond Concierge... she was downright chilly towards us. Thankfully the servers were warm and wonderful towards us so the experience was still nice. I guess she didn't want her in but also badly wanted to avoid the hassel / awkwardness of telling someone that their significant other cannot accompany them.

Thankfully this won't be an issue for us in the future.

This woman is always cold! Dealt with her several times on several issues over a few trips....She is just that way.

[Charles4515]

Originally Posted by Oneluckywoman

Yes, they carded both of us...which was fine with me, because in the past I have always thought that it was their policy to allow it with stateroom companions so that we don't have to be split up. They had 7 other people they turned away. My friend will probably not cruise with them again, she was so embarrassed. They said NO exceptions to the rule. Too bad...they will lose business from me over this....I will always go with Celebrity when I cruise with anyone other than my husband.

It has never been their policy to allow it. Some concierges did not apply the policy. Lately though they have been. Turning seven people away tells me that they are doing the right thing by turning people away. That would be a significant number of non members in the lounge and if they allowed them in and there are probably more non members that would want to get in if they found out those seven were allowed in to the lounge.
As far as losing business, if you go with Celebrity they are not losing business.

[golfer1966]

If every D+ or D took a friend in for a drink the place would be over loaded.

[Gator83]

Originally Posted by OGCFreddie

Again, I understand your feelings but you have to understand Royal's viewpoint. In the past, Diamond members would "loan" other people in their cabins (or sometimes even friends not in their cabins) the special keys for the lounges. I am sure that Royal opened their eyes to this problem and were forced to do something about it. Now, not only do they have the key (which is your seapass card rather than a dedicated lounge key as in the past) but they also check you against a list on the first night or when they see a new face.

This was your very first RCCL cruise, according to your signature, and your friends should not have made you a promise they could not be sure to keep. There is no reason for you to feel bad but I do think that your irritation with the person who was in charge of the lounge or with Royal is unjustified. I also feel that it is a shame that your decision to take a cruise with your friends resided so much on having access to the Diamond Lounge rather than having the opportunity to sail on a ship like the Allure with your friends.

My decision to sail on the Allure with my friends had nothing to do with them being Diamond members. I would have gone anyway. I was just responding to the OP to say I had the same issue. As I said, I understand the rules and have no problem obiding by them. I was surprised when my friends said I could actually join them.

[OGCFreddie]

Originally Posted by Gator83

My decision to sail on the Allure with my friends had nothing to do with them being Diamond members. I would have gone anyway. I was just responding to the OP to say I had the same issue. As I said, I understand the rules and have no problem obiding by them. I was surprised when my friends said I could actually join them.

I apologize if I interpreted your comment wrong, but the statement that you made "it is part of the reason I even agreed to go on the cruise and share the cabin." made it sound like it had a lot to do with being able to go to the diamond lounge.

[klingoncruiser]

While it may seem a bit hard hearted, I have been in a couple of the lounges where you could not even stand a people were "bringing friends" along with them.

It does vary from ship to ship as others have said.