Diamond members..are you aware of this policy?

[Oneluckywoman]

Monarch does not have a dedicated Diamond Lounge. You and your mom attended the Diamond Event that was most probably held in Bolero's.

 

True...it was the diamond event, not the diamond lounge, my error.

[Phillies14]

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.

Because you could not get away with breaking the rules You'll go elsewhere...grow up please

[Oneluckywoman]

This has always been the rule, which you have found out the hard way. Because the rule was enforced you say AMAZING? Then you say I HAD TO DRINK BY MYSELF. Really that was your choice. So you tell your friends I'll go have a few free drinks and meet up with you later. All your choice. So your sour apple routine falls on deaf ears from this C and A member, sorry.....K.O. near Philly:rolleyes:

 

No, I say AMAZING because I think it is a silly rule. And not a choice that I should have to make. No sour apples here...just stating my opinion. Sorry if you don't agree, that's your choice too.

[Oneluckywoman]

Because you could not get away with breaking the rules You'll go elsewhere...grow up please

 

The rudeness of people here is shameful. I will go elsewhere because I do not agree with the policy. I didn't try to "get away" with anything.

[Phillies14]

I agree. Maybe they should put something in cabins that clarifies the policy. In my opinion, putting a guest in an uncomfortable and embarrassing position should be avoided at all cost. Maybe they could have allowed them to stay for the evening but explained the policy for the remainder of the cruise. Seems odd that they would risk alienating a Diamond member.

What part of Diamond only event don't you understand???:rolleyes:

[galavant3]

What part of Diamond only event don't you understand???:rolleyes:

 

Huh? I totally get the "Diamond only" part. Because my line of work involves customer service, I am always looking for a win/win. Embarrassing a customer, in my opinion, should never happen. The OP has been totally reasonable and posted to let others know about her experience. I am always looking for a way to enforce the rules but in a way that makes the customer feel comfortable.

[Longhorn Cruiser]

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.

 

You show Royal Caribbean. Make sure you give your money to Celebrity and not to them.

That will prove a point. {wink}{wink}

[Bakincakes]

IMO opinion this falls into the "RCI is so inconsistent" category.

 

Why can't they establish policy and make sure it is enforced fleetwide? If they leave things like this up to the concierge..then things are going to be different on each ship and may change day to day given the mood of the concierge.

 

Same old..same old..RCI loves to make the rules and then throws the crew under the bus when it comes to enforcement.

 

IMO if pax are staying in the same cabin they should enjoy the amenities that the higher classified pax gets. Happens on HAL...and there doesn't seem to be any major ramifications from that. I'm not suggesting that the six other cabins of friends should get the same courtesy. Only those pax rooming with the pax who has the higher rating.

 

Makes sense that pax traveling together will want to spend as much time as they can together.

 

If they can change the rules to allow kids into the CL they certainly can allow roomates to "share" perks.

[LisaGoeke]

This happened to my brother on the Oasis. He was traveling with his fiancee, he is a Diamond member, this was only her second cruise. Diamond events were held at Blaze(?) due to so many Diamond members being onboard. The first evening when they went to go in, they were told that she was not a Diamond member and would not be allowed in. They are married now so technically now she is also a Diamond member and will be able to attend on future cruises.

[betsyl]

I was disappointed on my November trip on the Liberty. My DH couldn't go at the last minute so I invited my friend to go with me, who had never been on a cruise. I mistakenly told her that she would get all the Diamond amenities that I would, including free drinks before dinner. But alas - there was a message on our stateroom answering machine making it clear that I would be welcome in the Diamond lounge but not my friend.

 

So, instead, since the Diamond lounge was right off the bar on the top deck (having a memory lapse ...), we would go there together, she would sit and order the "drink of the day" at the bar and I would go into the Diamond lounge for the drink of my choice. I would take that outside the Diamond lounge (no one tried to stop me) and we'd have our pre-dinner drinks together -- no problem -- an it only cost her $5 or $6 per night for that "drink of the day."

 

My friend is very outgoing and could have a 30 minute conversation with a stick. She was so excited being on the cruise. I took her to one of the Diamond events -- the one where the Captain talks and they have free cheap wine and champagne -- and I had to be very stern with her -- don't talk to anyone and don't ask any questions or we'll get kicked out! She was on her best behavior, we both got our free champagne, she was so excited to hear the Captain speak, and then we were off to the casino -- both she and I looking forward to cruising on RCl again in the future!

[Oneluckywoman]

I was disappointed on my November trip on the Liberty. My DH couldn't go at the last minute so I invited my friend to go with me, who had never been on a cruise. I mistakenly told her that she would get all the Diamond amenities that I would, including free drinks before dinner. But alas - there was a message on our stateroom answering machine making it clear that I would be welcome in the Diamond lounge but not my friend.

 

So, instead, since the Diamond lounge was right off the bar on the top deck (having a memory lapse ...), we would go there together, she would sit and order the "drink of the day" at the bar and I would go into the Diamond lounge for the drink of my choice. I would take that outside the Diamond lounge (no one tried to stop me) and we'd have our pre-dinner drinks together -- no problem -- an it only cost her $5 or $6 per night for that "drink of the day."

 

My friend is very outgoing and could have a 30 minute conversation with a stick. She was so excited being on the cruise. I took her to one of the Diamond events -- the one where the Captain talks and they have free cheap wine and champagne -- and I had to be very stern with her -- don't talk to anyone and don't ask any questions or we'll get kicked out! She was on her best behavior, we both got our free champagne, she was so excited to hear the Captain speak, and then we were off to the casino -- both she and I looking forward to cruising on RCl again in the future!

 

Yes yes yes, I asked if we could do this....let me buy her a drink and she could sit in Olive or Twist right outside the diamond lounge, and then I would take my drink out and sit with her. I was told no.

 

Tee hee hee, yes I realize I won't be "showing" RCCL anything by going on Celebrity, since they are owned by the same company, but I will at least enjoy better customer service and (unless they change their policy) I'll be able to share my ammenities with my cruising companion. :)

 

I will still cruise with RCCL, just not with my friends. Only my DH, who loves the flowrider...which is why we like the Freedom and above class.

 

I agree about the inconsistency being the problem.

 

Nothinig to do with this thread topic, but they had the "deck patrol" out in force, and I was glad to see that! You see, I do believe in rules and following them...just would like to know what they are. Now I know, because I have been told by RCCL, and some of you who have been nice enough to share your experiences. I appreciate your kindness and understanding.

[Dave85]

OP, you really walked into a buzz saw here... this is a topic that really riles people up in case you haven't noticed! ;)

 

It's not quite in the same league as proper attire in the MDR and booze smuggling, but it's up there!

[cruisenfever]

Yes yes yes, I asked if we could do this....let me buy her a drink and she could sit in Olive or Twist right outside the diamond lounge, and then I would take my drink out and sit with her. I was told no.

In a dedicated Diamond Lounge, no one can purchase drinks. It's at the Diamond Event where drinks can be purchased for 25% off their normal price.

[Swarmmarketing]

My wife had a similar experience last summer on the newly renovated Radiance. My wife is Diamond plus member and took her Aunt on a cruise in Alaska. When they arrived in their cabin they had a phone message stating that my wife was welcome but her aunt was not allowed in the diamond lounge or concierge lounge.

 

When my wife went to the lounge she explained her Aunt is on medication and could not drink alcohol, the Diamond concierge that her Aunt could not enter the lounge at all at any time.

 

I could understand the policy and it seems asp though the concierge might be alerted to mismatches in a cabin and head this situation off before it becomes a problem.

 

I understand the issue and could relate to both sides, to be safe, I will not plan on non member roommates being allowed in the lounge at all.

[John&LaLa]

On Celebrity, they did check our cards, but I don't remember them checking them on Navigator or Majesty last year. I will be traveling with a non-diamond girlfriend this coming November on Monarch. Has anybody had any experience with Monarch in this situation?

 

I wouldn't worry about monarch, they just serve wine in a lounge. no problem taking drinks out either

[w&k]

On Celebrity, they did check our cards, but I don't remember them checking them on Navigator or Majesty last year. I will be traveling with a non-diamond girlfriend this coming November on Monarch. Has anybody had any experience with Monarch in this situation?

 

On Monarch, the 'event' is in section of the Viking Crown, and the size is dependent upon the number of qualifying folks traveling. We were traveling with Platinum folks (we're D+), so I would get my glass of wine and meet them in the smoking permitted section around the corner from the Diamond section.

 

We've also been on the Monarch several times, and know the gentlemen up in the Viking as well - they will take great care of you.

 

Oh yes... shorts and T-shirts are fine. We got bounced out of the concierge lounge on Adventure last spring for wearing shorts. So we went up to the diamond event up top where our knees were welcomed.

 

Have a fun trip!

 

Wendy

[Phillies14]

When I go into an airline club I can bring in family and friends who are not members and it is never a problem. RC needs to be a little more flexible and use some common sense when the situation warants it. Customer service does not mean "rules are rules."!

Sorry the very reason it says diamond only event is in fact common sense is alive and working. If everyone brought there friends and family who weren't diamond, diamond plus and or Pinnacle there would be no room, period. So your common sense comment is way off....K.O. Near Philly:rolleyes:

[msumike]

The part that I don't understand. If I am Diamond Plus, and my cabin mate is not, then only I can go into the lounge. If both of us are Diamond Plus we both get to go into the lounge.

But as two Diamond Plus members in the same cabin, we only get 1 Diamond Plus gift for the two of us. If it is per person, shouldn't we both get the gift?

So it is per cabin when they give us a gift, but per person to go into the lounges.

 

I was told it is one gift per household so if you and your spouse are D+ you only get one gift.

 

I also know that that's not true !!! I have gotten 2 bottles of wine in my room before.

[msumike]

My wife had a similar experience last summer on the newly renovated Radiance. My wife is Diamond plus member and took her Aunt on a cruise in Alaska. When they arrived in their cabin they had a phone message stating that my wife was welcome but her aunt was not allowed in the diamond lounge or concierge lounge.

 

When my wife went to the lounge she explained her Aunt is on medication and could not drink alcohol, the Diamond concierge that her Aunt could not enter the lounge at all at any time.

 

I could understand the policy and it seems asp though the concierge might be alerted to mismatches in a cabin and head this situation off before it becomes a problem.

 

I understand the issue and could relate to both sides, to be safe, I will not plan on non member roommates being allowed in the lounge at all.

 

Like people have said it all depends on the CO

[waterbug123]

They sure will in the concierge lounge.

 

You are saying they sure will stop you from taking drinks out of the CL? Again, it varies. We've been on ships that did not let pax leave the CL with drinks; other ships allowed it.

 

It doesn't make sense to me that if there are plenty of chairs available in the lounge, that we cannot purchase a drink for her to enjoy while I am enjoying my free one that I have earned.

 

At the risk of coming across rude, let me try again to explain why it shouldn't matter whether or not there are empty chairs....

You said yourself that in the past you've been able to take a non-diamond member in with you, but this time you were stopped. As has been made clear in multiple replies, and as you experienced yourself, the real problem seems to be the inconsistency with which the rule is enforced. So maybe there were empty chairs when YOU stopped by the DL on YOUR cruise, so you feel you should be able to take your friend in with you. But what happens on the following cruise when there is NOT room, and someone else tries to take their friend in and is told no because there is no room? And what happens if you go in with your friend since there's room, and some other diamonds take their non-diamond companions in, and now the lounge is full. Five minutes later a large group of diamond pax enters and can't sit down. Would it be acceptable to you for the concierge to say, "sorry, more diamonds have shown up, your friend has to leave now?" Somehow I think that would come across just as rude as being turned away in the first place.

 

 

I am a very social person and I do enjoy meeting other people, and we have met many nice people in the diamond lounge. We are cruising again on the Liberty for a TA in less than a month with 6 other couples. 6 of us are diamond, and one couple is not...we will not be asking for any special priveleges for them and they understand that they are not allowed to join us.

 

You make it sound like the 6 couple fully intend to enjoy happy hour in the DL, while the 7th couple must go enjoy happy hour by themselves somewhere. I will assume though, that that is not really what you meant.

 

 

Someone asked how we knew there weren't 20 other people who asked to come into the lounge. I mentioned in my post that there were 7 people who were traveling with diamond members...the concierge is the one who offered that information, I didn't ask. 7 more people would not have been an issue...and we met some of them who were also very upset. She also told me that there will be more than 600 diamond members on the transatlantic cruise...hmmmm wonder how they'll accomodate all of us?

 

The evening happy hour will be held in some other large venue, not the actual Diamond Lounge.

 

I think it would help if RCCL either enforced this rule always, or not have the rule. That would lessen the confusion. I think I stated that my confusion came in because I've traveled Celebrity with stateroom companions 4 times in the last year or two, and they DO state in writing that their policy is that the Elite member and their companions traveling in the same stateroom are welcome in Michael's lounge (which is their diamond lounge equivelent.)

 

Yes, Celebrity does state that. Likewise, RC states that the privilege is for diamonds only. Not sure how that is confusing.

 

Since Celebrity is owned by RCCL, I guess I made the mistake of thinking that their policies would be one in the same.

 

But they are still separate cruise lines! Celebrity offers a liquor package on domestic sailings; RC does not. Celebrity does not allow ANY smoking in the casino; RC does. etc. This is what makes them different. If you prefer Celebrity, then by all means you should stick with them.

 

 

When I go into an airline club I can bring in family and friends who are not members and it is never a problem. RC needs to be a little more flexible and use some common sense when the situation warants it. Customer service does not mean "rules are rules."!

But I'm sure your airline club specifically states that that is allowed, per the policy. I know Delta's Sky Club rules spell it out very clearly. Just because one "club" has a certain policy doesn't mean every "private club" should have the exact same policies!

[coordinator23]

I did not expect Diamond "perks" before I became Diamond. Neither did my husband. What is with the entitlement? I'm entitled to bring my friend, relative, anyone I know to a Diamond only event because I'm Diamond. Your a a "big shot" and the rules don't apply to you?? I think it is nice that an exception is made for spouses (and believe that RCI does not want to split married couples apart).

If the person has not earned the right, who are you to demand that they get the "perk". The embarrasment comes when a promise that a person is not entitled to to grant is denied. My perk was earned by cruising on RCI multiple times. I am tired of "entitled" people bringing in their friends (isn't this really a way of showing off how important they are-rules are only for the common folk) and demanding that they be given unearned perks. If this keeps you from cruising with RCI, I'm happy. I don't need your drama (which I have witnessed in the Diamond Breakfast too, where specialty coffee for free, etc has been "offered" by Diamond members to their friends. One such member "bullied" a young oriental staff member into allowing 8 friends in because it was "her birthday" -SOS cruise) Flame me, I don't care. I expect it - after all while your friend, etc. didn't earn the perk, their entitled because you said so.

[scorpluvsdolphins]

I don't have a problem with my friend not being able to go in the lounge, but I will take my drink with me. I have gone in the D+ lounge, made a plate of snacks for myself, got a drink and went to drink and eat with my friend. They just switch the drink to a plastic cup. No problem.

 

 

i hear each and every one of you...and YES i agree the policy stinks...they will bend from ship to ship but over all it stinks but nothing you can do about it...we will go and each get 2 drinks and then take them back to our balcony cabin and visit with the rets of our friends who are not diamond members...NO ONE HAS EVER STOPPED US FROM TAKING THE DRINKS OUT...now i have probably put someone on alert to watch for drinks leaving the lounge...the food is nothing special...

[Latvish]

As clearly answered already, yes, it has always been the policy.

 

Although I'm curious.....how did they find out? Did they card both of you? I only ask because neither my wife nor I have ever been carded in either the CL or DL. Just wondering how the D Concierge knew. :confused:

 

I get carded all the time. Most likely because I look so young.

 

Actually I have seen the Concierge on many ships walk around with a sheet of paper and check off people as they go. And yes I have seen many people asked to leave as they followed Diamonds into the lounge or D+ into the Concierge Lounge.

[Sh1035]

just charter you own yacht and you don't have any of these issues.

[RCCL Fan]

I have been diamond for a while now and have NEVER set foot in the diamond club for this reason. I traveled on Oasis with my fiance who lives with me and I was very rudely told she couldn't come in. Despite us having the same address, being in the same cabin, etc.

 

So I never went it, and have never tried again on subsequent cruises. They can have their discount booze, we were swiping our cash away in other bars!