The Death of the Coupon Books (Ultimate Value Booklets)?

[Coralc]

I like the idea of the concept. I don't want to have to remember to take the coupons with me.

 

What I would like is a paper in the cabin reminding me what coupons are on my card.

 

There will have to be a list somewhere, otherwise no one would remember or know what was on there. :)

[setsail]

I wonder if they'll also stop printing all those photos that throw away each cruise.

 

You might like to read this thread

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1758027

[Kilroy]

Dislike! My wife and I love to look through the coupon books as soon as we get to our room on Day One so we can savor all the things we have to do ahead of us.

 

Besides, putting them on the card is going to create a lot of he said/she said incidents, mark my words.

 

"I tried to use my BOGO drink coupon on my card today and it didn't work"

"According to the computer, sir, you already used it."

"Well I didn't. I would know if I used it."

 

Lines are going to longer at the purser's desk, not shorter.

 

With a coupon, it is like currency. You either have it or you don't. No gray area, no he said/she said.

[UandMe4Ever]

Dislike! My wife and I love to look through the coupon books as soon as we get to our room on Day One so we can savor all the things we have to do ahead of us.

 

Besides, putting them on the card is going to create a lot of he said/she said incidents, mark my words.

 

"I tried to use my BOGO drink coupon on my card today and it didn't work"

"According to the computer, sir, you already used it."

"Well I didn't. I would know if I used it."

 

Lines are going to longer at the purser's desk, not shorter.

 

With a coupon, it is like currency. You either have it or you don't. No gray area, no he said/she said.

 

Don't think we like this either for two of the reasons you mentioned...:mad: I hope they leave an option for paper coupon books either w/ the presail package or to be downloaded so we can see what exactly we have.

 

Do not want to be charged for a SPA treatment:( if I only wanted a BOGO drink.

 

Hope RCI reconsiders this before we go on the Explorer: 10-27 - 11-14-13..A B2B....

 

Why didn't Adam Goldstein ask me:confused:. I would have definitely advised him it's a NO GO! ;)

 

Safe sails...:)

[Ocean Boy]

Don't think we like this either for two of the reasons you mentioned...:mad: I hope they leave an option for paper coupon books either w/ the presail package or to be downloaded so we can see what exactly we have.

 

Do not want to be charged for a SPA treatment:( if I only wanted a BOGO drink.

 

Hope RCI reconsiders this before we go on the Explorer: 10-27 - 11-14-13..A B2B....

 

Why didn't Adam Goldstein ask me:confused:. I would have definitely advised him it's a NO GO! ;)

 

Safe sails...:)

 

Maybe they will. And they will charge you $35.00 for the paper coupons just like if you want to receive printed cruise docs.

[NanciRDH]

DH won't like this at all. He uses my match play coupons. I use his free slot pull coupons. He doesn't care for slots and I don't care for table games. How's that gonna work out?

 

DH and I have the same deal, lol. But now that our oldest has reached 18, she always steals Daddy's slot pull. :D

 

I do like being able to have it on the seapass for ease of use, but this might be a challenge. Unless they just have them all on the one account for the room and pull from the total with each use. Which then opens the chance for a family fight when DH uses DW free drink coupon or something. :eek:

[BillOh]

Use each other's cards?

 

It will also cut down on people "sharing" booklets.

 

That's probably the biggest cost savings for them. Despite moving up from Gold to Platinum and now Emerald, I've found these savings book to become worth less and less each cruise. No more free this or free that, its buy one get one 50% off or what used to be a free photo is now a buy a photo get a stock photo of the ship free. We used to use the Johnny Rocket's cover waiver, but now that is buy one milkshake, get one free, which is worthless to us on sugar restrictive diets. I was able to give my internet coupon to a friend that traveled with us who runs his own business, but not any more.

[Meltdown]

I was just suggesting something like this in a thread about Diamond lounges and how IMO it would be better to allow the sea pass to " buy" 2 free wine or beer from 5-7 in any lounge each day.

 

Now that's an excellent idea! Since we can not use the lounge for the free drinks as we have kids.... It actually feels like we had more use of Emerald status since then we got 2 BOGO coupons each. Now only one at Diamond.

 

The most funny thing is the Concierges comment to leave the kids at Adventure Ocean... that closes at 5 when the lounge opens.... Marvellous!

[trev71]

That's probably the biggest cost savings for them. Despite moving up from Gold to Platinum and now Emerald, I've found these savings book to become worth less and less each cruise. No more free this or free that, its buy one get one 50% off or what used to be a free photo is now a buy a photo get a stock photo of the ship free. We used to use the Johnny Rocket's cover waiver, but now that is buy one milkshake, get one free, which is worthless to us on sugar restrictive diets. I was able to give my internet coupon to a friend that traveled with us who runs his own business, but not any more.

 

Your right that is a down side you cant swap coupons with someone now. Hopefully they at least give everyone some sort of a list cause how will we know what coupons we got if they are all loaded on our cards

[tahqa]

I was reading the latest "Why Not?" blog entry by Adam Goldstein and he threw out this little nugget --

 

"And soon the Ultimate Value Booklet of onboard savings will evolve to a paperless format where the offers will be loaded right on to our loyal guests’ Seapass cards for automatic application."

 

If I'm interpreting this correctly (and it seems pretty straight forward) there will come a time (soon) when we will no longer have the coupon booklets in our cabins. I'm not exactly sure how the onboard savings would work in a paperless format... the free match play in the casino for instance. Or the free slot pulls.

 

 

I can see some benefits for them in this. Reduced printing costs, reduced costs everytime the coupons are updated, plus it would kill the ebay resell market on coupon books.

 

Are there benefits for us? Or is this going to complicate things for the passengers?

 

 

Thoughts?

 

http://www.answeritroyally.com/blog/?p=5264

[waterbug123]

I was reading the latest "Why Not?" blog entry by Adam Goldstein and he threw out this little nugget --

 

"And soon the Ultimate Value Booklet of onboard savings will evolve to a paperless format where the offers will be loaded right on to our loyal guests’ Seapass cards for automatic application."

 

If I'm interpreting this correctly (and it seems pretty straight forward) there will come a time (soon) when we will no longer have the coupon booklets in our cabins. I'm not exactly sure how the onboard savings would work in a paperless format... the free match play in the casino for instance. Or the free slot pulls.

 

 

Are there benefits for us? Or is this going to complicate things for the passengers?

 

 

Thoughts?

 

http://www.answeritroyally.com/blog/?p=5264

 

Frankly, I think it will be easier. Can't count how many times when, for example, our b1g1 drink coupon or gift shop coupon has gone unused because we don't think to bring it with us. We always think we'll use it later in the week, and then disembarkation day comes and there they sit, unused. As for match play coupons, my guess is that IF they continue to be a "coupon," you will go to the casino cashier who will swipe your Seapass and give you some kind of match play "tokens" to use at the tables.

[cruisenfever]

I personally think it's a great idea.

 

This plan will eliminate using left over coupons on future cruises. What is programmed onto your SeaPass card must be used during the current cruise and will not be carried over.

 

Coupons issued by C&A level must be used by that person and no one else.

[EVALUATOR]

I was reading the latest "Why Not?" blog entry by Adam Goldstein and he threw out this little nugget --

 

"And soon the Ultimate Value Booklet of onboard savings will evolve to a paperless format where the offers will be loaded right on to our loyal guests’ Seapass cards for automatic application."

 

If I'm interpreting this correctly (and it seems pretty straight forward) there will come a time (soon) when we will no longer have the coupon booklets in our cabins. I'm not exactly sure how the onboard savings would work in a paperless format... the free match play in the casino for instance. Or the free slot pulls.

 

 

I can see some benefits for them in this. Reduced printing costs, reduced costs everytime the coupons are updated, plus it would kill the ebay resell market on coupon books.

 

Are there benefits for us? Or is this going to complicate things for the passengers?

 

 

Thoughts?

 

http://www.answeritroyally.com/blog/?p=5264

 

Simple. Scan the card at the casino. If you haven't received the slot pull tokens they can give you them. If you qualify for match play they can give you no cash value match play chips.

[Tim,n,Sue]

Great idea. Big cost savings in printing plus a lot less waste for unused coupons. Any changes to the program can be implemented immediately without having to phase them in depending on how many booklets each ship has. Lastly, this eliminates people using coupons that they would not normally be entitled to which has been a subject that has been discussed at length.

[PantherFan]

Think about the amount of trash the books generate. No more waste.

 

Now if they can just stop giving us so much shopping info they could reduce the waste even more :)

[Trekker954]

Not going to list your reasons........you only have one. You are too old to change........admit it!:D

 

It's the same reason that I have. I'm too old to change, make that.........like to change. But I continue to roll with the punches, because in the end, it's all good!

 

Good.........good that we are still healthy enough to cruise, good enough to know that some changes we don't like, and there are some that we do.

 

I like the new menus. Some dislike them. Some hate them! Also, some love and embrace them.

 

We never eat in the MDR.........so I have only what I receive in my cabin (ok......suite) to know what the new menus offer..........and I like what I have tasted, so far.

 

So, truly, what is your reason for disliking the change. You said that you were not going to list all of your reasons..............but you did not list one!

 

Just saying!:D

 

Rick

 

Okay, Rick, but I'll get flamed and its not that I'm TOO OLD to change, but thanks for caring.

 

I cruise alot sometimes 3 nighters up to 11 nighters. There are only a few Diamond coupons that I use from my books. Internet, BOGO, complimentary photo, logo shop discount, casino pull and sometimes laundry.

 

I don't always use my coupons and do carry them over (yeah, I know I'm not suppose to do that). It was easier on my conscience when they had an expiration date vs version. Maybe I'm having a bad hair day and didn't like the photo; so I use two on the next cruise. Maybe on a 3 nighter I don't use my internet, but combine them on the next 7 or 11 nighter. Maybe its raining cats and dogs on my Bahama 3 nighter and I don't want my beer if I have no pool time, so I use two coupons on my next sunny cruise. Its me who is using them and I don't give them to others, so I feel no guilt and I like my coupons, but I do know all that paper that goes to waste is awful so I can agree on some level this is a good thing.

 

I am also going to admit here something terrible. I did once buy a Diamond Plus book on ebay when I was a lonely Platinum. :eek: I used the BOGO at Chops; 45 min internet, the complimentary photo and won a ugly key chain with my casino pull from that book - I think I paid $8 for it. So is CC like confession. Am I absolved of my sin? I don't fell any better for getting that off my chest. Honestly, I figured it was going to be an $8 mistake; but Royal took the few coupons I handed in. Yeah - this would end any activities like this; which now that I look back was very naughty to do.

 

It truly amazes me the RCI things they sell on ebay, drink twizzlers, all the junk they win at Trivia, drink glasses - its crazy. I know the D+ book is good, but why on early would anyone buy the lower status books, I never did understand that. I would never, ever, ever sell any of my prized Royal Caribbean possessions.

[cello56]

I love the idea! My coupons will always be with me, and they are more likely to get used.

 

One thing to keep in mind. RCI issues these books with the calculated risk that most people will not use all the coupons. What coupons are included is based on that risk. With paper coupons, it is difficult to keep track that they are only being used by the person they are issued to. With the new electronic coupons, the risk of coupon abuse is removed. To me, that is a very good thing since it will likely help us to keep the coupons at the current level.

[Candleonwater]

Can't wait to see how this one unfolds. Never have been a big fan of the booklets. Wonder if I will still get my 3 free slot pulls?

[Dave85]

Not surprised. They'll probably just leave a letter for you on the first day outlining what the perks are and perhaps how to obtain the casino credits from the casino cage, etc. Saves them a lot of paper / $$$ -- a one page letter instead of all of those booklets.

[poncho1973]

I support this wholeheartedly!

 

Nice work.

[akcruz]

 

I don't always use my coupons and do carry them over (yeah, I know I'm not suppose to do that). It was easier on my conscience when they had an expiration date vs version. Maybe I'm having a bad hair day and didn't like the photo; so I use two on the next cruise. Maybe on a 3 nighter I don't use my internet, but combine them on the next 7 or 11 nighter. Maybe its raining cats and dogs on my Bahama 3 nighter and I don't want my beer if I have no pool time, so I use two coupons on my next sunny cruise. Its me who is using them and I don't give them to others, so I feel no guilt and I like my coupons, but I do know all that paper that goes to waste is awful so I can agree on some level this is a good thing.

 

 

I think they are already cracking down where they can on some of the "stock em up and use them all at once". On our last cruise on Allure we had 3 Emerald members in the family. I tried to use a second Picture BOGO on my seapass and they would not let me as the system said I had already used one. Fortunately my DD was with me and they let the second go on her account, which was tied to mine. For the last one DH had to go and have it applied to his. They told us they are now keeping track to ensure each passenger only uses one.

[akcruz]

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1763116

 

Another thread started yesterday with discussion on this topic

[spookwife]

I am not opposed at all. funny but on our last cruise we HAD the coupons with us at all times( stuck them in my wallet thingy) and most of them still didn't get used. we just never had an opportunity to even use them.. the BoGo were never an option as one of us was always getting something that wasn't covered. the 10% ones went instead for his beers when I got the DotD instead.

 

most of the coupons were useless to us anyway.. we don't gamble, and there was no Johnny Rockets on EN and we opted to not buy pictures this go round.

 

I would just want to have some control over which ones get used when, you know? like have it pop up on the machine and the bartender/whoever confirm with me which, if any, coupon I want to use. for instance I don't want to waste a BoGo on a $9 glass of wine when I may buy a $12 one later in the cruise.

[poncho1973]

This is starting to read like replacing the dollar bill with the dollar coin. (Which admittedly will ALWAYS fail until they kill the paper bill in the US)

 

 

"I fear change. It won't be the same. I like the same. The same is good and very much the same. Change is changing and changing is not the same. The same needs not to change because that would be changing even if it is a change for the better."

 

 

 

 

 

 

OFF-TOPIC SIDEBAR:

A man I know told me that he can't work with dollar coins because he CERTAINLY WON'T carry 10-20 $1 coins around in his pocket. It would stretch out his pants!

 

My reply:

 

1. If there is a $1 coin, there would be a $2 coin. So you would carry much less than 20 pieces of coinage for $20.

 

2. If he put 20 $1 bills in his wallet, that sucker wouldn't close (George Costanza-style) to save his soul. I asked him how many $1 bills his wallet currently held... he said 3. I asked him if 3 quarters would "stretch his pants" and he obviously said no.

 

3. Unless, he had a very specific reason (he was a bartender/server on the way home from work or he was carrying it to tip people on a trip) or he was specifically trying to break change, the goal of most citizens carrying cash/coins is to have the largest possible denominations on hand. Most people don't say "I want to have as many individual pieces of paper money in my wallet as possible" and that directly translates to coins. If you had 5 coins, you'd use those to pay or change them for a paper bill.

[Mr. Bungle]

As a side-bar to this, they are also introducing the iPads in each cabin on some ships to do away with the DailyCruiseCompass. Each day you will have the CComp on your cabins iPad to check for activities. Now they still print the CComp for those that want something tangible to carry and mark off and not have to get exchanged because we dumped a DotD on it while at the pool bar...