Your onboard lounge benefits just got better

[marci22]

[quote name='Merion_Mom']Everyone is entitled to his or her own opinion.

Here is mine.

They WILL be closing Diamond Lounges and turning those areas into revenue-producing venues.

Remember, folks: You read it here first. ;) :D[/QUOTE]

I'm with you on this one. They'll say, 'our cruisers have spoken and they much prefer the 3 drink vouchers!' Everyone is raving about the vouchers now: it's the kiss of death for the D lounges.

[quote name='robandana']It makes no sense to say they will close the DL lounges....RC has been spending millions to put them in all the ships and set them up with areas for breakfast/canapés , a $10,000 coffee machine. (the new ones make great lattes...) and a DL concierge... what I think they want to avoid is over flow areas....this may be the solution.
[B]
On our last 4, 7 day cruises both CL and DL lounges were not full at all...in fact they were quite empty.[/B] :confused:[/QUOTE]

This is a perfect reason to re-purpose them for income-producing venues. Private parties, private dining, who knows what they can think of to make more money.

Meanwhile you got your 3 vouchers.

And then everyone will say RC has to make money for their shareholders blah blah blah. Edited June 22, 2014 by marci22

[goodycruising]

Love the coffee machine. Enjoy the breakfast there too. The DL is a nice quiet place to read during the day. I hope they stay. :)

[Charles4515]

[quote name='marci22']I'm with you on this one. They'll say, 'our cruisers have spoken and they much prefer the 3 drink vouchers!' Everyone is raving about the vouchers now: it's the kiss of death for the D lounges.



This is a perfect reason to re-purpose them for income-producing venues. Private parties, private dining, who knows what they can think of to make more money.

Meanwhile you got your 3 vouchers.

And then everyone will say RC has to make money for their shareholders blah blah blah.[/QUOTE]


Well.......Royal Caribbean will do what they want to do. They could sell the cruise line too. Or move all the ships to China. Or they could charge for all meals and entertainment or they could go the other direction raise the fares, pay the crew and eliminate gratuities, include all alcohol in the fare. There is no point in overthinking what they will do. What will be will be. They don't even have to have much of a loyalty program. Some cruise lines do fine giving out pins and tiles.......

Their loyalty program as is must give them some competitive advantage or they wouldn't have it. Royal Caribbean's trend in general over the years has been to be more generous in their loyalty benefits, with adjustments, not less, so I won't join in any gloomy outlook about the lounges. Edited June 22, 2014 by Charles4515
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[FLACRUISER99]

[quote name='Charles4515']Well.......Royal Caribbean will do what they want to do. They could sell the cruise line too. Or move all the ships to China. Or they could charge for all meals and entertainment or they could go the other direction raise the fares, pay the crew and eliminate gratuities, include all alcohol in the fare. There is no point in overthinking what they will do. What will be will be. They don't even have to have much of a loyalty program. Some cruise lines do fine giving out pins and tiles.......

Their loyalty program as is must give them some competitive advantage or they wouldn't have it.[/QUOTE]Yes, that's the reason I always look at RCI cruises first.

[LMaxwell]

[quote name='Merion_Mom']And how much money are they spending to build and outfit the Quantum of the Seas, only to rip her apart seven months later and re-fit her for the Asian market?!?!?!?![/quote]

What are they changing when they send the ship overseas? I haven't seen anything in regards to changes from the as-built?

[Merion_Mom]

[quote name='LMaxwell']What are they changing when they send the ship overseas? I haven't seen anything in regards to changes from the as-built?[/QUOTE]

Google the changes that they made to the Mariner of the Seas when they altered her for the Asian market. It will probably be similar for Quantum.

[EmpressofPurple]

[quote name='Charles4515']Well....

Their loyalty program as is must give them some competitive advantage or they wouldn't have it. Royal Caribbean's trend in general over the years has been to be more generous in their loyalty benefits, with adjustments, not less, so I won't join in any gloomy outlook about the lounges.[/QUOTE]

I agree... to me, cl and dl ARE revenue producing areas, because they encourage people to book enough cruises to become diamond and above, or to book a pricey suite, to enjoy these lovely perks. Selling multiple cruises, or enticing cruisers to book suites, is certainly producing more revenue than selling ice cream or coffee!!

Also, dl/cl acknowledge that frequent cruisers share interests and experience and like an easy way to meet one another, share travel stories, ideas, etc

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[LMaxwell]

[quote name='Merion_Mom']Google the changes that they made to the Mariner of the Seas when they altered her for the Asian market. It will probably be similar for Quantum.[/quote]
All I can find is the updates from her 2012 Dry dock, and some mentions of different food and smoking policies for the Asian market. I'm finding this on the RC blog though; I can't find anything that highlights specific changes from US to Asia. I don't see when they would have time to change anything on Quantum as they are revenue trips over to Asia, unless they are making last minute changes in the "more to come" spaces of the ship to prepare the ship for the Asian market perhaps in terms of retail stores? I know it is just speculation but I can't find anything to suggest they are going to rip apart the ship or make any drastic changes specifically for Asia as compared to US or other international markets.

I'd be interested to learn more about the Mariner changes though as I am probably not finding all pertinent information.

[leaveitallbehind]

[quote name='britty1']The email states Diamond Plus and Pinnacle - yet some of you are talking Diamond - so is it across the board - Diamond and above ???? :D[/QUOTE]

Yes - Diamond and above. The reference to Diamond Plus and Pinnacle was for their inclusion in the Concierge Lounge as they have access to that lounge as well as the Diamond Club.

[Cosmic Rays]

What about we lesser mortals who are still PLATINUM and now so very close to Diamond? One drink perhaps, or absolutely nothing!!!!!

[Clarea]

[quote name='Cosmic Rays']What about we lesser mortals who are still PLATINUM and now so very close to Diamond? One drink perhaps, or absolutely nothing!!!!![/quote]
So far, the changes seem to apply to Diamond and above.

[jamon]

No, as you say, lesser mortals will have to wait..sorry....

[cruzsnooze]

It's only speculation of course but I see the DL turning into the D+ lounge and the CL restricted to Pinnacle and Suites. That will alleviate the D+ over crowding with the quantity of that tier. Diamond is easy to obtain and they couldn't keep a venue big enough to accommodate that tier. Just my opinion not fact.

[Merion_Mom]

[quote name='LMaxwell']All I can find is the updates from her 2012 Dry dock, and some mentions of different food and smoking policies for the Asian market. I'm finding this on the RC blog though; I can't find anything that highlights specific changes from US to Asia. I don't see when they would have time to change anything on Quantum as they are revenue trips over to Asia, unless they are making last minute changes in the "more to come" spaces of the ship to prepare the ship for the Asian market perhaps in terms of retail stores? I know it is just speculation but I can't find anything to suggest they are going to rip apart the ship or make any drastic changes specifically for Asia as compared to US or other international markets.

I'd be interested to learn more about the Mariner changes though as I am probably not finding all pertinent information.[/QUOTE]

Yes, they will do the construction DURING the cruise.

The changes were, basically, enlarging the casino to the Nth degree and expanding the shopping area exponentially.

I guess that the easiest thing to look at from your home computer is Royal Caribbean's website. Pull up the deck plans for the Mariner for Decks 4 & 5. Then do the same for the Navigator, which used to be its twin on those decks.

[LMaxwell]

[quote name='Merion_Mom']

I guess that the easiest thing to look at from your home computer is Royal Caribbean's website. Pull up the deck plans for the Mariner for Decks 4 & 5. Then do the same for the Navigator, which used to be its twin on those decks.[/quote]

Now I can see some of the differences there. It will be interesting to see what they do with those "More to Come" spaces on Quantum; perhaps they are working out contracts with luxury good retailers for some of those spaces. For a cruise based in Asia I would expect a separate high roller area in the casino.

[beachnative]

[quote name='Merion_Mom']And how much money are they spending to build and outfit the Quantum of the Seas, only to rip her apart seven months later and re-fit her for the Asian market?!?!?!?![/QUOTE]

Those changes may be made before the ship begins her first voyage. We have booked our cruises, will have made final payment by the time she begins her first run, and (because she is a new design) probably wouldn't notice that she was outfitted for the China market.

[FLACRUISER99]

[quote name='LMaxwell']All I can find is the updates from her 2012 Dry dock, and some mentions of different food and smoking policies for the Asian market. I'm finding this on the RC blog though; I can't find anything that highlights specific changes from US to Asia. I don't see when they would have time to change anything on Quantum as they are revenue trips over to Asia, unless they are making last minute changes in the "more to come" spaces of the ship to prepare the ship for the Asian market perhaps in terms of retail stores? I know it is just speculation but I can't find anything to suggest they are going to rip apart the ship or make any drastic changes specifically for Asia as compared to US or other international markets.

I'd be interested to learn more about the Mariner changes though as I am probably not finding all pertinent information.[/QUOTE]


One of the biggest changes was expanding the casino and changing all the green felt on the tables to red. They also added a high end watch store where the bar was in the promenade, and redid a lot of the stores. This all happened on the Barcelona to Dubai leg.


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[JKHawaii]

I was shocked to hear that Royal Caribbean "tore apart" the Mariner to cater to the Asian market. It wasn't until I looked up the changes that I learned the awful truth: flat screen TV's, Giovanni's Table, Diamond Club, Improved WIFI, Coach Store, Dog House! How could they? It is now apparent to me that the Oasis and Allure were also built to "cater" to the Asian market. Just shocking!

[Merion_Mom]

[quote name='LMaxwell']Now I can see some of the differences there. It will be interesting to see what they do with those "More to Come" spaces on Quantum; perhaps they are working out contracts with luxury good retailers for some of those spaces. For a cruise based in Asia I would expect a separate high roller area in the casino.[/QUOTE]

Tried to grab some info from other threads for you:

[url]http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=38294095&postcount=72[/url] (read)


[url]http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=38458927&postcount=130[/url] (look)


[url]http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=38997642&postcount=29[/url]

[url]http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=38997709&postcount=30[/url]

[url]http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=38006139&postcount=1[/url]

[url]http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=248734[/url] (VERY interesting review)

[url]http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2049652[/url]

[url]http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1803646[/url]

[LMaxwell]

[quote name='Merion_Mom']Tried to grab some info from other threads for you:

[URL]http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=38294095&postcount=72[/URL] (read)


[URL]http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=38458927&postcount=130[/URL] (look)


[URL]http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=38997642&postcount=29[/URL]

[URL]http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=38997709&postcount=30[/URL]

[URL]http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=38006139&postcount=1[/URL]

[URL]http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=248734[/URL] (VERY interesting review)

[URL]http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2049652[/URL]

[URL]http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1803646[/URL][/quote]

Very cool; thanks for the links; I will check them out

[FLACRUISER99]

[quote name='JKHawaii']I was shocked to hear that Royal Caribbean "tore apart" the Mariner to cater to the Asian market. It wasn't until I looked up the changes that I learned the awful truth: flat screen TV's, Giovanni's Table, Diamond Club, Improved WIFI, Coach Store, Dog House! How could they? It is now apparent to me that the Oasis and Allure were also built to "cater" to the Asian market. Just shocking![/QUOTE]Have you sailed on her since she left the USA? If you have your opinion will carry some weight.

[Merion_Mom]

[quote name='FLACRUISER99']Have you sailed on her since she left the USA? If you have your opinion will carry some weight.[/QUOTE]

I know that you were on that first trip from Barcelona to Dubai.

I would LOVE to hear all of your opinions and comments.....and pictures. Do you have pictures????

[RetiredMailman]

[quote name='Charles4515']I just recieved this about new Crown and Anchor benefits for a cruise on Oasis next year. Sounds good to me! What do you all think?

YOUR ONBOARD LOUNGE BENEFITS JUST GOT BETTER

We are excited to introduce an expanded Crown & Anchor Society benefit for you during your upcoming cruise! In addition to the nightly receptions at the Diamond Lounge and the Concierge Lounge (for our Diamond Plus and Pinnacle guests), you now have the flexibility to enjoy happy hour at a wide variety of bars onboard.

Your SeaPass Card will be pre-loaded with three complimentary drink vouchers for each night of the sailing, which can be used during nightly lounge hours. Toast your way around the ship, on us!

This expanded benefit will be slowly rolled out across the entire fleet by Fall. Kindly note, drinks vouchers are not valid in the main dining room, the Windjammer Café or in any of our specialty restaurants, and expire daily.*[/QUOTE]

We will be cruising in April for our first time in almost a year. Just heard about these 3 free drinks. Wonder if they are planning on cancelling the benefits of the Diamond lounge. Before the Diamond lounges, we received only sodas or wine as an option. Diamond lounges we also get mixed drinks. When ship wide drinks? I like it don't get me wrong, but wonder what's up with it.

[robandana]

For the moment they offer both the coupons and the lounge, I think the idea is that if the lounge is full you can still enjoy a drink at any of the bars. This also comes in handy if you have friends that are not diamond or diamond plus.

I was asking around and it seems that for now they will maintain the 2 options.

Enjoy your cruise!

[Paulette3028]

[quote name='robandana']For the moment they offer both the coupons and the lounge, I think the idea is that if the lounge is full you can still enjoy a drink at any of the bars. This also comes in handy if you have friends that are not diamond or diamond plus.

I was asking around and it seems that for now they will maintain the 2 options.

Enjoy your cruise![/QUOTE]

On our recent cruise we had the opportunity to take advantage of the coupons on our seapass card instead of going to the DL for drinks before dinner. It was nice. We walked through the bar and they were having a music trivia game and we stopped to enjoy the fun going on....and had our cocktails there.

I hope they continue to offer both...most nights we enjoy the quiet in the DL before dinner.