Do you like the new changes to the C&A Points System?

[Benita]

Much ado about nothing...

 

This has been a brilliant marketing move on the part of Royal Caribbean. Everybody is grandfathered in and they satisfy those who look over the shoulders of those who go on shorter cruises, and they gain more control over the advancement into the next catagory of membership. All this, and the only investment was in a computer system to convert the cruise points into cruise days. I am a satisfied stockholder today.

[lovemylab]

No major change for me. With the old system I'd be platinum after our upcoming cruise, and that hasn't changed.

 

It will take me longer to reach Diamond (as our cruises are usually 7 days..so rather than needing 10 seven day cruises to reach diamond we'll now need 12). However, we look at C&A as a perk and nothing more.

 

Overall I'm happy with the changes as I think it's more fair.

[Addict]

The Diamonds in December seemed to be something to boost you to the next level. If your level didn't change, I don't think the extra credit does you any good. Someone will correct me if I'm wrong.

 

See Evaluator's thread about how the points were calculated.

 

Doesn't make sense - we were at 7 cruise credits - 3 for each of the cruises plus 1 extra credit for the Diamonds in December (the equivalent of another cruise). But now we get nothing for that?

 

Don't get me wrong, I am pleased that they are now basing the credits on number of sea days, but it does seem wrong that they give you something then take it away again. Having said that, they still haven't given us the equivalent of the days we have sailed so far. Maybe I will call them as it is possible they have it wrong. Very pleased for those that have gained with the new system and in the long run it will be better for us.:D

[luvscruising2007]

Not sure but I think I lost some points. They have credited me with 45 and if I just add up my previous cruise nights I get 46. Also the 3 day cruise tour does not seem to be included.

I have already sent an inquiry to C&A. It is especially frustrating to see many have received more than the points they expected.

[karena1]

At 223 points....Yes I am Very happy....will take a very long time to get to Pinnacle....but that can be a goal....with nights now....probably will never happen. For us......RCL...we still LOVE YOU!!!

 

Mike and Bill

 

I agree. We got 223 points also and really the changes did not affect us at all. We still get into the CL on ships that don't have a DL, so I am happy about that. And now it appears we get the additional "welcome" amenity. We will probably never make Pinnacle (or a really long time down the road) but at least they left our benefits in tact.

 

Really more affected those trying to make Diamond. I know my sister would have made D this year with the old system but now will be Emerald instead.

[3dogmom]

VERY HAPPY! Royal came through for me. Even though I wouldn't have had enough cruise credits with the new days at sea system, they grandfathered me in since I've had my diamond cruise already booked for February.

 

I was expecting to have to stay with Emerald for 30+ more sea days, but nope, they considered my cruises already booked.

[marci22]

VERY HAPPY! Royal came through for me. Even though I wouldn't have had enough cruise credits with the new days at sea system, they grandfathered me in since I've had my diamond cruise already booked for February.

 

I was expecting to have to stay with Emerald for 30+ more sea days, but nope, they considered my cruises already booked.

 

I don't think they considered cruises already booked; see Evaluator's thread for how they calculated credits to points.

[sunluva]

I'm confused.

So, if I had a 10 night cruise (used to be 1 cruise credit)

That would convert to 10 points? They have it listed as 7 points.

[negc]

I like the changes since the majority of our cruises are longer ones.

 

One point I haven't heard anyone else make: What does this new system do to the popularity of the 3-4 night cruises which ships such as Majesty and Monarch sail? Many people cruised on those ships specifically with the intent of quickly increasing their loyalty level. Not anymore.

 

If you choose to believe, as you apparently do, that the majority of passengers on Majesty and Monarch are there only to increase their C&A status to the next level, you may be correct. However, if many and perhaps most of those taking those short cruises, are onboard because the short cruises best fit their personal schedules (vacation or otherwise), or are first time cruisers who want to see if cruising fits their lifestyle before committing to a seven night or longer cruise, or because the price of the cruise is a better deal for them, then Monarch and Majesty may continue to be popular cruise options. Before assuming a specific reason why people do anything, it might be worthwhile to take all possible explanations into consideration.

Personally, while I believe most C&A members are interested in achieving higher C&A status, I refuse to believe that it is uppermost in the consideration of most when they choose to cruise.

[land lover]

I had 20 CC before and I now I have 153......I am still diamond and would have been even if they would have used straight sea days.

 

So the conversion is better than I expected ......

[marci22]

Not sure but I think I lost some points. They have credited me with 45 and if I just add up my previous cruise nights I get 46. Also the 3 day cruise tour does not seem to be included.

I have already sent an inquiry to C&A. It is especially frustrating to see many have received more than the points they expected.

 

I received less points than expected, but I think it is because of the way they did the conversion. It would still take me the same amount of cruises to advance anyway.

[Sugar*Magnolia]

I wonder if I should call C&A...when I look at my cruise history and credit value, the "extra point" for Diamonds this past December isnt noted....

 

Otherwise, the new system works for us. We take longer cruises.

[librayacht]

What do you think about the changes to the C&A points system?

 

This was supposed to be a poll, but I hit the wrong button.

 

Hey Merion Mom... fix it, and do a poll.

I am really disgusted with the changes. We have a B2B booked in less than two weeks which would have taken us from Diamond to Diamond Plus. We will now have to take two 7 day cruises to get to that level after the B2B. We made Diamond only to have the Concierge Club taken away and now they have "moved the goal posts" yet again for us to get to D+.

[nelblu]

What do you think about the changes to the C&A points system?

 

This was supposed to be a poll, but I hit the wrong button.

 

Hey Merion Mom... fix it, and do a poll.

 

Has the poll already closed--4:32AM today?:p

[Orator]

How may days do you now need to achieve each level?

[Elkhornne]

Orator,

Here you go:

 

Gold.....................3

Platinum..............30

Emerald...............55

Diamond..............80

Diamond Plus........175

Pinnacle...............700

[Orator]

Thanks. I tend to sail on Celebrity and my guess is that they will do the same.

[I Church]

I like that they have the new Emerald level as we will reach that after our Back to Back later this year!

 

We were supposed to get a 10th cruise crystal block for our 11 night Jewel of the Seas cruise in March. Not sure if we qualify now or not. Looking forward to seeing what happens next.

 

Take care...

Irene & Miles

[marci22]

I'm confused.

So, if I had a 10 night cruise (used to be 1 cruise credit)

That would convert to 10 points? They have it listed as 7 points.

 

Is that the only cruise you have taken?

 

The points calculator on the website converts 1 credit to 8 pts. So I don't know why you have 7.

[Clarea]

I'm confused.

So, if I had a 10 night cruise (used to be 1 cruise credit)

That would convert to 10 points? They have it listed as 7 points.

I believe Royal only looked at your previous cruise credit level to convert to points. It does not appear that they looked at the number of days in completed cruises to arrive at the new point total. However, from this day forward, they will use days to compute cruise points.

[Benita]

I like the changes since the majority of our cruises are longer ones.

 

One point I haven't heard anyone else make: What does this new system do to the popularity of the 3-4 night cruises which ships such as Majesty and Monarch sail? Many people cruised on those ships specifically with the intent of quickly increasing their loyalty level. Not anymore.

 

Do you really think people take the 3 night cruises just to increase their loyalty level? The ships are filled constantly with Floridians who want a quick getaway without taking a whole week off from work and with people vacationing in Florida who want to get onto a ship for a few days. It is a great getaway and a wonderful way for RCL to make a fortune. The ships are old, some of them are in serious dry dock need, and without the amenities of the larger ships. The cabins are tiny, as well. RCL can charge more per day for these ships than fancier ships and fill them up with people looking for a quick party - ie they will spend more on drinks and in the casino. The funniest thing of all, is that there are no concierge lounges on those ships (the Enchantment had one, but it no longer does the shorter cruises) and the Diamond event is a joke - a glass of soda or wine, with not even a bowl of nuts, so people might be Diamond or Diamond plus and get nothing for it. That is why I keep laughing at those who point fingers at those members who take the short cruises - I repeat, they are getting nothing for it. The ships have practically no balconies, so there is not even a Diamond discount.

Those who jealously can't go on these cruises keep harping about those getting credit for the cruises and RCL saw that and changed the program. I doubt it will make a dent in the bookings for the short cruises. As somebody who is Diamond Plus no matter which way you add up the credits, I have no axe to grind - just pointing out how ridiculous the sentiment is.

[pscruzinboyz]

I am really disgusted with the changes. We have a B2B booked in less than two weeks which would have taken us from Diamond to Diamond Plus. We will now have to take two 7 day cruises to get to that level after the B2B. We made Diamond only to have the Concierge Club taken away and now they have "moved the goal posts" yet again for us to get to D+.

 

This is where many cruisers will have a problem. You had 20 credits...153 points....you are 22 points from plus....that is 4 seven night cruises ( 28 nights )....which would be 4 credits in the old system. There.....But....in the old system....you could have done four 3 night cruises and got to D+...but now that would only bring you to 165 points. I have a feeling that these weekend ships will not be for those who tried to up the ante to get to either D or D+.

 

Mike

[smoosh21]

Has anybody contacted RCL about the conversion program? I just looked and my 2 current points were converted to 15 points, however, right on the list is shows that I have 16 nights at sea (one 9 night and one 7 night cruise on Royal).

I realize it is only 1 point, and I am not going to throw a fit about it, but do you think that Royal would give me that extra point if I were to call and ask?

 

Has anyone tried?

[Cruzaholic41]

Do you really think people take the 3 night cruises just to increase their loyalty level? ....I have no axe to grind - just pointing out how ridiculous the sentiment is.

 

Well I am here to tell you you're wrong. Yes, I agree it is a ridiculous idea, but I know for a fact there are people who do the 3 nighters just for points. On a recent Majesty cruise, I met a couple who was doing 7 B2Bs. When I asked them why they were doing 7 B2Bs on a ship like Majesty, their answer was just to gain points.

 

On that same ship, there is another couple that cruises just about every weekend. At the C&A meetings, they pull out their little notepad and make notes of the top cruisers recognized.

[marci22]

Has anybody contacted RCL about the conversion program? I just looked and my 2 current points were converted to 15 points, however, right on the list is shows that I have 16 nights at sea (one 9 night and one 7 night cruise on Royal).

I realize it is only 1 point, and I am not going to throw a fit about it, but do you think that Royal would give me that extra point if I were to call and ask?

 

Has anyone tried?

 

No, they are not converting those nights directly. I did not get the total amounts of nights listed either because of how they figured it out, but it should take the same amount of time to get to the next level, assuming you book 7 night cruises.