June 1st announcement

[CVU]

Well I'm very happy with all the changes but especially with the 20% off internet packages, the 45 minutes free internet and the free bag of laundry......especially since all of our upcoming cruises are 14+ days or longer.

 

I'm disappointed also that they did not factor in an OBC from being a Shareholder but maybe that is yet to be addressed. If not, well that's the way the cookie crumbles.:D

 

It's unfortunate that we will not be able to benefit from the balcony discount in regards to our three rather long cruises that we have booked for September 2011. But hey, that's the way it goes. We did get the reduced deposit when we booked on board plus a $300 OBC for each cruise..........so that's something.

So, since I just got up in the West here I am trying to grasp it all at once....:eek:

 

What happens to existing reservations? Can you get anything other than the onboard booking?

Such as Patti, our 3 long 2011 cruises????

 

We booked an Oct. /10 over the phone, no next cruise etc. we do have balcony discount on that one. Any extras added?

 

Do shareholders get to combine with any other benefits?

 

So, do you get all 3 or just 1? haven't even had my coffee yet but had to get up to check the changes.....did get our emails though from RCL

[B-52]

Right you are and RCI needs to concentrate on those customers now that they seem to have the D+ happy. I know this won't be popular here with all the D+'s but they really need to do more about the overcrowding in the CL. Not just at Happy Hour but also access to the concierge. On my last cruise the concierge actually came up to us at the end and apologized that he wasn't able to provide the service he would have liked to. I think he had quite a few angry suite guests on this cruise! He told me twice the people in the Royal Suite came in during Happy Hour and there were no seats. He told us that in addition to suite guests, he had a very large number of D+ that occupied much of his time.

 

Glad to see D's and D+'s get some added benefits but if RCI wants to keep their most profitible guests, suite guests, they need to look at some other mainstream lines such as NCL and see how badly they compare.

 

A little off subject, but yes. Last cruise, we were in a GS, and was turned away from the CL. Opened the door and was too crowded to even get in!

At the captains reception for Suite Guests, I complained to the Hotel Director. The Concierge later sought me out and apologized. But what could he do?

Our next cruise this July will be the first cruise since the new CL changes took effect.

[karena1]

That's why never believe what you hear on a ship.

 

I hear you. I am just going to cancel the 4 reservations I made for next year and 2012 and then rebook them on the ship so I get the onboard booking OBC. At least that way I can combine my balcony discount on the longer cruises or a sav cert on teh 3 night ones when we just get a SOV. Probably won't use my SH OBC anymore unless it is a last minute cruise.

[megr1125]

My information is right 99% of the time. It's not my fault if the cruise line changes or delays it's plan. The majority of what I know I don't even share with this web site. Due to some idiots who continue to question what I post.

 

Tony...you make me laugh and brighten my day!

 

I like the changes....I will admit, however that I am under caffeinated at the moment so I will have to read them again..........but I like the combinability, more internet and laundry.....plus the free photo is nice...i missed that from the last set of coupons.....usually there is ONE that i will buy ( but i don't think ANY photo with me in it is worth 20 bucks! LOL:D well, maybe the one from Captain's table, but that was free!!)

 

I also think that maybe RCI is beginning to actually value loyalty??!!!

 

In any event, it's been a lousy week already, so this kind of made me happy!

[cujosmom]

Not to beat a dead horse but....

 

I am a Diamond PLUS. The email I received this morning states regarding coupon book...

 

In addition to many of your favorite offers, we've added new savings, including: 45 minutes free internet plus 20% off internet packages, savings for laundry, dry cleaning, pressing, a free photo and more while onboard.

My email says SAVINGS for laundry not FREE bag of laundry. Are some people getting a different email? My email states "New Benefits for Diamond Plus Members".

Still confused :confused:

[cruisenfever]

So, since I just got up in the West here I am trying to grasp it all at once....:eek:

 

What happens to existing reservations? Can you get anything other than the onboard booking?

Such as Patti, our 3 long 2011 cruises????

 

We booked an Oct. /10 over the phone, no next cruise etc. we do have balcony discount on that one. Any extras added?

 

Do shareholders get to combine with any other benefits?

 

So, do you get all 3 or just 1? haven't even had my coffee yet but had to get up to check the changes.....did get our emails though from RCL

Dayle, everything begins today June 1.

 

You can't do anything with any cruises on the books unless you want to cancel and rebook. If you do that regarding your 3 cruises on Radiance beginning September of 2011, then you will lose your reduced deposit, your $300 OBC per cruise for booking on board and your category upgrade that I think you got. You would also lose any price reductions that would occur up until 72 hours prior to sailing because you would now fall under the NEW Best Price Guarantee Program. So, you have to ask yourself.........is it really worth it? My answer......NO.

 

Shareholder Benefits have not been addressed because all of the current changes are C&A related.

[Host Kewlguy]

Tony...you make me laugh and brighten my day!

 

I like the changes....I will admit, however that I am under caffeinated at the moment so I will have to read them again..........but I like the combinability, more internet and laundry.....plus the free photo is nice...i missed that from the last set of coupons.....usually there is ONE that i will buy ( but i don't think ANY photo with me in it is worth 20 bucks! LOL:D well, maybe the one from Captain's table, but that was free!!)

 

I also think that maybe RCI is beginning to actually value loyalty??!!!

 

In any event, it's been a lousy week already, so this kind of made me happy!

 

Always happy to brighten your day. I make myself laugh at times too. :D

[gadaboutgal]

If one cancels a booking they already have and then rebook, it seems that you lose the opportunity to get a price reduction up through final payment as it were under the "old" rules. So what a dilemma-rebook and take the new obc or hold on to the old and keep checking for a price drop.:confused:

[stretch44]

if people staying in suites are so much better for the company then us staying in the "lower class" cabins then why don't you go cruise where you are treated like the royality you think you are?

 

or tell them to stop selling us cabins and see how much the cost of your suite is when it is not being suplmented by us chattle!

 

:eek:

 

I see this is your first post. Welcome to Cruise Critic!

 

It's not about "classes", it's about what cruise experience you want and are willing to pay for! I cruise on RCI because my kids enjoy all the activities. My DW and I like RCI but wish they had a better "suite experience".

 

I believe you may have it backwards as the profits they make off suites enables discounted cabins. Have you priced a suite?

[Puffinater]

My email says SAVINGS for laundry not FREE bag of laundry. Are some people getting a different email? My email states "New Benefits for Diamond Plus Members".

 

Still confused :confused:

 

Go to the RCI website where it mentions upgraded books it is listed there.

[megr1125]

Always happy to brighten your day. I make myself laugh at times too. :D

 

:p:p

 

OK...now, my FB peeps seem to think I know everything, and they are asking why the discount is different for +/- 6 months out???

 

Makes no difference to moi, but does anyone know???? Not like it's a lot of dough-seems to be around $25 [again....SERIOUS coffee deficiency!]

[marci22]

If one cancels a booking they already have and then rebook, it seems that you lose the opportunity to get a price reduction up through final payment as it were under the "old" rules. So what a dilemma-rebook and take the new obc or hold on to the old and keep checking for a price drop.:confused:

 

Good point.

[Host Kewlguy]

:p:p

 

OK...now, my FB peeps seem to think I know everything, and they are asking why the discount is different for +/- 6 months out???

 

Makes no difference to moi, but does anyone know???? Not like it's a lot of dough-seems to be around $25 [again....SERIOUS coffee deficiency!]

 

The cruise line wants you to book as far out as possible. They make more money that way. A lot of people are booking last minute lately.

[cujosmom]

Go to the RCI website where it mentions upgraded books it is listed there.

 

Puff - I went to RCI website like you suggested, logged in, and here's what it says:

 

Enhancements to Your Ultimate Value Booklet

In addition to many of your favorite offers, we've added new savings, including: 45 minutes free internet plus 20% off internet packages, savings for laundry, dry cleaning, pressing, a free photo and more while onboard

 

So, again I ask....are some people's email/website info different than what I'm seeing. (Again, I swear I'm Diamond + :D)

[megr1125]

The cruise line wants you to book as far out as possible. They make more money that way. A lot of people are booking last minute lately.

 

that's what i thought...(they get to use our money longer....HEEHEE at those WHOPPING huge interest rates!):rolleyes::p

 

 

Book last minute...haa haa...who, ME?????????

[marci22]

Puff - I went to RCI website like you suggested, logged in, and here's what it says:

 

Enhancements to Your Ultimate Value Booklet

In addition to many of your favorite offers, we've added new savings, including: 45 minutes free internet plus 20% off internet packages, savings for laundry, dry cleaning, pressing, a free photo and more while onboard

 

So, again I ask....are some people's email/website info different than what I'm seeing. (Again, I swear I'm Diamond + :D)

 

On the Royal website, I see it listed in one area as "free bag of laundry" and in another area it is "savings on laundry". Both regarding D+. It looks like a mistake.

 

Click on Ultimate Value booklet:

 

Diamond Plus

In addition to offers on spa, casino and shopping, we've added some new one's like 45 minutes of free Internet plus 20% off online packages, a free bag of laundry and a free photo.

 

Click on Diamond Plus

 

Enhancements to Your Ultimate Value Booklet

In addition to many of your favorite offers, we've added new savings, including: 45 minutes free internet plus 20% off internet packages, savings for laundry, dry cleaning, pressing, a free photo and more while onboard

[CruiseKeeper]

Here's how I found it. I can't post a link because you have to be signed in to see it. My link will take you into my account.

 

I went to the RCCL website. I went to C&A society, clicked on and was prompted for my username and password. The very first page that comes up has this and a chart showing what level gets what benefit.

 

Good luck.

 

New benefits to enhance your cruising experience!

When it comes to delivering a more gratifying experience to our Crown & Anchor guests, the question isn't why-it's Why Not? These exclusive new benefits will add to those you've enjoyed in the past. There has never been a better time to be a member of the Crown & Anchor Society - and there is much more to come!

 

For specific information on benefits, please click on the colored ribbons below to visit your appropriate tier page.

[molly361]

If one cancels a booking they already have and then rebook, it seems that you lose the opportunity to get a price reduction up through final payment as it were under the "old" rules. So what a dilemma-rebook and take the new obc or hold on to the old and keep checking for a price drop.:confused:

 

Thanks I was just going to ask bout this. I was thinking of cancelling our 2011 Allure cruise and re-book but this one was made prior to the May 17th change. Will a C and A coupong come out?? Will the price drop after final payment YIKES!!!!:rolleyes:

[Arizona Cruz Chic]

That is a deal................now what grocery store was that?:D but that is a lot of Cheerios:)

 

 

Our stores double coupons up to dollar everyday! :D

No, thats not a lot of Cheerios, for us that about normal! :eek:

 

Patti that was a good deal. :)

 

Now back to our regularly scheduled program....June 1 announcement!;)

 

***

[suzyluvs2cruise]

Puff - I went to RCI website like you suggested, logged in, and here's what it says:

 

Enhancements to Your Ultimate Value Booklet

In addition to many of your favorite offers, we've added new savings, including: 45 minutes free internet plus 20% off internet packages, savings for laundry, dry cleaning, pressing, a free photo and more while onboard

 

So, again I ask....are some people's email/website info different than what I'm seeing. (Again, I swear I'm Diamond + :D)

 

I'm D+ and this is what I get on the RCI website under Crown & Anchor Society....Benefits.

It should be the same for everyone but.........:confused:

 

Ultimate Value Booklet

Gold

The onboard Ultimate Value Booklet features many offers including spa, casino and shopping, and we've added some new one's like a discount on a beverage, an Internet discount and a photo offer.

 

Platinum

In addition to offers on spa, casino and shopping, we've added some new one's like a discount on a beverage, an Internet discount and laundry/dry cleaning and photo offers.

 

Diamond

In addition to offers on spa, casino and shopping, we've added some new one's like 30 minutes of free Internet plus 20% off online packages, savings on laundry/dry cleaning/pressing and a free photo.

 

Diamond Plus

In addition to offers on spa, casino and shopping, we've added some new one's like 45 minutes of free Internet plus 20% off online packages, a free bag of laundry and a free photo.

 

and this is what my email said........

 

In addition to many of your favorite offers, we've added new savings, including: 45 minutes free internet plus 20% off internet packages, savings for laundry, dry cleaning, pressing, a free photo and more while onboard.

[handbellplayer]

We will be sailing on Monarch the end of this month. I also have a booking on Freedom for next November. Should I cancel my reservation for Freedom right before we sail on Monarch, rebook while on Monarch and get the $100 for booking on board plus my balcony discount? (We are Platinum). The only risk will be losing my hump cabin, but if my cancellation and rebooking are only a couple of days apart, that might be pretty low-risk.

[marci22]

Thanks I was just going to ask bout this. I was thinking of cancelling our 2011 Allure cruise and re-book but this one was made prior to the May 17th change. Will a C and A coupong come out?? Will the price drop after final payment YIKES!!!!:rolleyes:

 

Sometimes you just have to roll the dice. I prefer price drops after final to the C&A coupons.

[marci22]

We will be sailing on Monarch the end of this month. I also have a booking on Freedom for next November. Should I cancel my reservation for Freedom right before we sail on Monarch, rebook while on Monarch and get the $100 for booking on board plus my balcony discount? (We are Platinum). The only risk will be losing my hump cabin, but if my cancellation and rebooking are only a couple of days apart, that might be pretty low-risk.

 

Why not wait til you speak to the loyalty ambassador onboard and have them do the cancellation for you? (that would be a policy change btw, they have always done it before) If they refuse, you can always go online once onboard and cancel it. I think you can access the Royal Caribbean site for free.

[I cruise 4 cheap]

I see this is your first post. Welcome to Cruise Critic!

 

It's not about "classes", it's about what cruise experience you want and are willing to pay for! I cruise on RCI because my kids enjoy all the activities. My DW and I like RCI but wish they had a better "suite experience".

 

I believe you may have it backwards as the profits they make off suites enables discounted cabins. Have you priced a suite?

 

many posters on here have voiced their point of veiw as different "classes" based on cabin or suite.

 

as for proffit off suites helping lower prices on cabins? Well how many cabins are ther and how many suites are there? cabins I am sure will far out number the suites. looking at a single sailing it may appear based on the cost of cabins and suites they make more from suites. but over the long haul I am sure the numbers would show a different story as not all suites are sold for every cruise. And as for more money generated by suite sales, well thanx to my family they have gotten cash for 2 balconies, 1 large ocean view and 1 interior cabin for a sailing in August of this year. so we have given them more cash them a suite that most likely will sit empty and was not big enought to suit our needs.

[marci22]

many posters on here have voiced their point of veiw as different "classes" based on cabin or suite.

 

as for proffit off suites helping lower prices on cabins? Well how many cabins are ther and how many suites are there? cabins I am sure will far out number the suites. looking at a single sailing it may appear based on the cost of cabins and suites they make more from suites. but over the long haul I am sure the numbers would show a different story as not all suites are sold for every cruise. And as for more money generated by suite sales, well thanx to my family they have gotten cash for 2 balconies, 1 large ocean view and 1 interior cabin for a sailing in August of this year. so we have given them more cash them a suite that most likely will sit empty and was not big enought to suit our needs.

 

It's not about classes it's about the bottom line. If they weren't concerned about booking suites they wouldn't be offering suite passengers a new incentives package. I don't see any incentive packages for insides: the incentive is the price.