NEW Suite Upgrades....

[Debde]

Thank you PhDUnderTheSea. At least we have the beginnings of some of the upgrades. Like what I have read so far although I was hoping that they could do some sort of coastal kitchen type offering on the older ships but hey-it's a start!!!

Patiently waiting for the official roll out date!!

[Big_G]

I'll be having dinner with my T/A this weekend, if you have any questions please let me know and I'll try to get answers as this forum was so helpful for me.

 

Best-

 

Steve

 

Thanks for the update. We were booking grand suites for a while and weren't taking advantage of anything but the cabin size so we've been booking junior suites as of late. Maybe we'll have to bump it up again.

[critterchick]

Not necessarily - drink vouchers and a discount on a beverage package are two distinct animals. A discount might assist with the lounge being crowded. From what I've read about the new drink prices, it sounds like Royal is really trying to get the majority of passengers on a package.

 

Steve - thanks for the info. I know most of us would love to know when Royal will be implementing these new benefits. I think it would be nice to have a "free" night in a specialty restaurant with a suite.

 

I think that RCI's solution to crowding is to rename the CL the SL. There are seldom enough Pinnacles onboard to overcrowd the lounge.

 

OP, thanks from me as well.

[critterchick]

Thank you PhDUnderTheSea. At least we have the beginnings of some of the upgrades. Like what I have read so far although I was hoping that they could do some sort of coastal kitchen type offering on the older ships but hey-it's a start!!!

Patiently waiting for the official roll out date!!

 

I think that some of the specialty restaurants don't do very well - Izumi and Rita's on Serenade, for example, where we were alone more than once. It wouldn't be too hard to convert one of those to a CK if they aren't meeting their revenue targets.

[suzyluvs2cruise]

I think that some of the specialty restaurants don't do very well - Izumi and Rita's on Serenade, for example, where we were alone more than once. It wouldn't be too hard to convert one of those to a CK if they aren't meeting their revenue targets.

 

It was the same on Radiance. Love the idea of making one of them a CK...especially since Radiance had no dining area for Gold Cards on our recent 33 nts onboard.

[jamesr3939]

On the Oasis we never found the SL to be overly crowded. Coastal Kitchen was busy on certain days and times, but nothing you couldn't work around.

[OfTheSeasCruiser]

On the Oasis right now in a GS, and no free Internet for suite guests. I inquired with the Concierge and they confirmed that it is not free for suite guests, only Pinnacles. Definitely a bummer, but we love the lounge and meals in the Coastal Kitchen!

 

Well that's disappointing. Not that big of a deal, but I just wish people wouldn't start such rumors without knowing the correct info... oh well! :D

[Smith0154]

I think that RCI's solution to crowding is to rename the CL the SL. There are seldom enough Pinnacles onboard to overcrowd the lounge.

 

OP, thanks from me as well.

 

As a Suite regular and Diamond+ C&A member, I can just hear it now from the current Diamond+ members. The Diamond Lounge will not be good enough for many of them. Even though the current CL and Diamond Lounge are in my opinion virtually the same, there will be those that do not think they should be limited to the Diamond Lounge.

 

My DW and I have been very fortunate where the CL for the most part has been quiet, but on a recent sailing, we had to sit out in the grand atrium just outside the CL because the CL was overcrowded. We had an awesome bar staff that sailing, as they came out to check on us on a regular basis. We took very good care of them during the week.

 

Smitty

[Kokomo91165]

As a Suite regular and Diamond+ C&A member, I can just hear it now from the current Diamond+ members. The Diamond Lounge will not be good enough for many of them. Even though the current CL and Diamond Lounge are in my opinion virtually the same, there will be those that do not think they should be limited to the Diamond Lounge.

 

My DW and I have been very fortunate where the CL for the most part has been quiet, but on a recent sailing, we had to sit out in the grand atrium just outside the CL because the CL was overcrowded. We had an awesome bar staff that sailing, as they came out to check on us on a regular basis. We took very good care of them during the week.

 

Smitty

 

Here's the bigger issuer. Overcrowding of Diamond Lounges. Apparently, RCL forgets this memo sent out in April 2009.

 

Clearly the limiting of the Concierge Lounge is the most controversial of the changes. In the e-mail sent to members, Royal Caribbean cited capacity issues stating that the lounges were becoming unsustainably crowded as the reason for the change.

 

So now 500,000 new diamonds and diamonds plus' later, the lounges are going to be more overcrowded. Shame.

[Colorado Babe]

I like the idea of the CL being limited to Suite guests and Pinnacles only. On our last few cruises my husband and I were not very successful using the CL due to the overcrowding. Even the DL is now overcrowded. It is pretty bad when a Diamond Suite Guest can't use either lounge due to the overcrowding.

 

I like the butler service on NCL. I wish RCL would consider it. I also liked the afternoon tea on Celebrity for the suite guests. Another option RCL should think about.

 

I truly enjoyed the cocktail party with the Captain and his officers for the suite guests. I hope RC continues with the tradition as it to me is a very nice perk. Who really gets the opportunity to chat with the captain?

 

I wonder why some of the ships don't escort their suite guests off the ship and other's do. We have sailed on many of the ships in suites and the only escort we received was on the Liberty.

 

My husband and I have found that there is no consistency from ship to ship on suite perks. If it was consistent then we would know what we are getting instead of having to spend time out of our vacation trying to figure it all out.

 

I am happy to hear their going to change the bedding. This is one of my biggest complaints. I also think that the room steward needs to change out the pillows more often. On the Indy in December our pillows were disgusting with blood and stains all over them. The mattress was also very old and very hard. We were in an OS and boy oh boy was it disgusting.

Edited April 14, 2015 by Colorado Babe

[Debde]

Here's the bigger issuer. Overcrowding of Diamond Lounges. Apparently, RCL forgets this memo sent out in April 2009.

 

 

 

So now 500,000 new diamonds and diamonds plus' later, the lounges are going to be more overcrowded. Shame.

 

In 2009 no one had drink vouchers. There probably was a reason these were introduced early on. They probably knew they were going to do this and hoped all would get used to having our 'thank you' drinks outside of the lounge.

[Debde]

I think that some of the specialty restaurants don't do very well - Izumi and Rita's on Serenade, for example, where we were alone more than once. It wouldn't be too hard to convert one of those to a CK if they aren't meeting their revenue targets.

 

Funny you should say this as neither one of these restaurants ever sounded so appealing to me that I would pay extra for it. So of course I'd vote for liking this idea!! ;)

[joepeka]

I think that some of the specialty restaurants don't do very well - Izumi and Rita's on Serenade, for example, where we were alone more than once. It wouldn't be too hard to convert one of those to a CK if they aren't meeting their revenue targets.

 

Funny you should say this as neither one of these restaurants ever sounded so appealing to me that I would pay extra for it. So of course I'd vote for liking this idea!! ;)

 

At the risk of appearing to be a Carnival homer, they do have no cost venues available (Guy's Burgers, Blue Iguana Cantina, etc.) which, even on this board, get positive reviews. On our upcoming Radiance cruise, we have no plans to go to either Izumi or Rita's simply because of the additional cost.

Edited April 15, 2015 by joepeka

[Paulette3028]

In 2009 no one had drink vouchers. There probably was a reason these were introduced early on. They probably knew they were going to do this and hoped all would get used to having our 'thank you' drinks outside of the lounge.

 

Your point is well made -- the real question is: did the drink vouchers really accomplish what Royal hoped it would -- make the lounge less crowded? Probably not.

 

As much as people are saying they are not 'loyal to Royal' anymore, the ranks of Diamond are growing. We probably will never reach Pinnacle status, and I can't really anticipate cruising in a suite. For us whatever lounge we have available will be fine (and we will enjoy, especially the little pre dinner snacks, 24/7 coffee bar and continental breakfast) coupled with the voucher system to mingle with friends who don't have the same privileges we do, due to being in a different level.

 

More changes will bring more complaints for those 'angry that what they have become accustomed to is changing' -- so be it.

[B-52]

Well that's disappointing. Not that big of a deal, but I just wish people wouldn't start such rumors without knowing the correct info... oh well! :D

 

 

This entire thread has been nothing but rumors and speculation, and wishful thinking...all 22 pages of it.

 

If and when something becomes official, we'll hear it.

[KKMurphy2]

As a Suite regular and Diamond+ C&A member, I can just hear it now from the current Diamond+ members. The Diamond Lounge will not be good enough for many of them. Even though the current CL and Diamond Lounge are in my opinion virtually the same, there will be those that do not think they should be limited to the Diamond Lounge.

 

My DW and I have been very fortunate where the CL for the most part has been quiet, but on a recent sailing, we had to sit out in the grand atrium just outside the CL because the CL was overcrowded. We had an awesome bar staff that sailing, as they came out to check on us on a regular basis. We took very good care of them during the week.

 

Smitty

 

I am 3 points from Diamond Plus and I have truly enjoyed the Diamond lounge with every sailing. So if I am going to stay in the same lounge when I obtain Diamond Plus, my husband is trying to figure out what is the point of being Diamond Plus. I honestly can't come up with any reason.

 

PS - does this question count for your comment - "I can hear it now...." LOL

[Dizziedi]

I think what they should do is give the Diamonds the three complimentary drinks at the different bars, make the Diamond Lounge the Diamond Plus Lounge and the CL the Suite and Pinnacle Lounge.

 

Cheers

Di

[cruisegirl1]

I am 3 points from Diamond Plus and I have truly enjoyed the Diamond lounge with every sailing. So if I am going to stay in the same lounge when I obtain Diamond Plus, my husband is trying to figure out what is the point of being Diamond Plus. I honestly can't come up with any reason.

 

PS - does this question count for your comment - "I can hear it now...." LOL

 

There are many nice benefits of diamond plus, only one of which is access to the diamond lounge on ships that have one. If the lounge is what you're searching for when you reach diamond plus, does it make much difference if they call the lounge a concierge lounge or diamond lounge? Eventually, the term concierge lounge will no longer be used on ships (As soon as all ships have a diamond lounge) and the options will be a suite lounge or diamond lounge depending on your accommodations or C&A level.

 

Enjoy

M

 

 

 

M

[KKMurphy2]

There are many nice benefits of diamond plus, only one of which is access to the diamond lounge on ships that have one. If the lounge is what you're searching for when you reach diamond plus, does it make much difference if they call the lounge a concierge lounge or diamond lounge? Eventually, the term concierge lounge will no longer be used on ships (As soon as all ships have a diamond lounge) and the options will be a suite lounge or diamond lounge depending on your accommodations or C&A level.

 

Enjoy

M

 

From the RCCL website, these are the benefits that you gain when becoming a Diamond Plus member.....

 

Behind the Scenes Tours

Personalized Gift/Amenity

Concierge Lounge Access

Priority seating at theater, ice show and AquaTheater events

 

For an extra 95 nights on a ship (and all the money that comes with that), I think the benefits are pretty useless. We thought at least we will have a "nicer" lounge. Obviously, they are getting rid of that. Don't get me wrong, we have loved the Diamond Lounge and have met the nicest people. But really - this is all I get for Diamond Plus?

 

As Elite on Celebrity, I always feel more special. I realize this is my personal opinion only.

Edited April 15, 2015 by KKMurphy2

[tanner2]

Are the upgrades for the Junior suites as well ???

[Retired LEO]

Are the upgrades for the Junior suites as well ???

 

GS and above

[spookwife]

I think what they should do is give the Diamonds the three complimentary drinks at the different bars, make the Diamond Lounge the Diamond Plus Lounge and the CL the Suite and Pinnacle Lounge.

 

Cheers

Di

 

 

I have been saying that for months. access to a concierge for the usual assistance can be accomplished by giving them a desk over by Loyalty and Next Cruises.

[Paulette3028]

I am 3 points from Diamond Plus and I have truly enjoyed the Diamond lounge with every sailing. So if I am going to stay in the same lounge when I obtain Diamond Plus, my husband is trying to figure out what is the point of being Diamond Plus. I honestly can't come up with any reason.

 

PS - does this question count for your comment - "I can hear it now...." LOL

 

Here are a few extra perks at D+ that I could think of:

 

1- Behind the Scenes Tour (instead of paying for it)

2- Personalized Gift/Amenity

3- Priority Seating at theater, Ice Show and Aqua Theater on select ships

4- Preferred seating locations (near windows if you prefer) in MDR for all in your linked party as well.

5- Royal Caribbean logo ID tags (not a real big deal to me)

 

To me 1,3,4 are nice 2 is fine and 5 means nothing (since I have plenty of ID tags and usually know who I am, anyway--LOL)

 

Add to that a slightly larger balcony discount, I believe.

[Retired LEO]

I think what they should do is give the Diamonds the three complimentary drinks at the different bars, make the Diamond Lounge the Diamond Plus Lounge and the CL the Suite and Pinnacle Lounge.

 

Cheers

Di

 

Come on now. That makes too much sense.

[spookwife]

 

 

For an extra 95 nights on a ship (and all the money that comes with that), I think the benefits are pretty useless. We thought at least we will have a "nicer" lounge.

 

 

in many cases the 'nice' lounge on the ship is the DL.. CL never seems to have the view or is much smaller.