Elite Perks on Royal Caribbean ??

[curtdesilets]

Royal Caribbean (Jewel of the Seas) is doing a couple California Coastal Cruises this Fall out of San Pedro. It is a great itinerary with stops in San Fran (2 days), Monterey and Santa Barbara.

 

We are Elite on Celebrity, and thus I think we are Diamond on RCCL due to their reciprocal agreement.

 

Have any Elite Celebrity people here done a RCCL and got the Diamond perks in exchange? If so, what are they? Do they have an evening cocktail hour?

 

Any advice would be welcome.

 

I'm thinking a week long RCCL cruise in late September and early October would not be all that "Family Oriented", as Royal generally markets to. We want just a nice romantic week up the awesome California coast during our Pacific High Pressure weather pattern. Any thoughts on that?

Edited June 20, 2015 by curtdesilets
spelling

[dkjretired]

Royal Caribbean (Jewel of the Seas) is doing a couple California Coastal Cruises this Fall out of San Pedro. It is a great itinerary with stops in San Fran (2 days), Monterey and Santa Barbara.

 

We are Elite on Celebrity, and thus I think we are Diamond on RCCL due to their reciprocal agreement.

 

Have any Elite Celebrity people here done a RCCL and got the Diamond perks in exchange? If so, what are they? Do they have an evening cocktail hour?

 

Any advice would be welcome.

 

I'm thinking a week long RCCL cruise in late September and early October would not be all that "Family Oriented", as Royal generally markets to. We want just a nice romantic week up the awesome California coast during our Pacific High Pressure weather pattern. Any thoughts on that?

 

They have a Diamond lounge on most ships that you can use, believe its open more hours and offers more selection of drinks. Just check the Royal website for their Diamond benefits. I believe they actually have a cabin upgrade that is not just an ungrade from one floor to another.

[cruisestitch]

Head over to the Royal website where you'll find all the Diamond perks listed. Be sure to call to get a crown/anchor account before you go.

[takemewithyou]

We did our first cruise on Royal in 2013. We were VERY impressed with the Diamond Lounge (DL) and the Diamond happy hour. there was a wide variety of cocktails available and better options than on X, including the wine served. they had bacon wrapped scallops, chicken wings, crudités and dip, varieties of cheese and crackers, chocolate covered strawberries, etc., all served buffet style for about three hours each evening.

 

During the morning, they had continental breakfast that you serve yourself and a wonderful coffee machine that you could use to make your own lattes, etc throughout the day. The DL had its own patio area overlooking part of the sports deck and views of the ocean.....it was very nice and DL concierge was very helpful, also. It was a nice, quiet place to sit and read during the day. Your sea pass key is coded to allow you access.

 

As you can see, we really enjoyed the DL. :)

[boscobeans]

If you don't use the diamond lounge for the evening cocktail hours you can get three drinks at most bars around the ship during the pre-dinner times. The drinks are preloaded on your sea pass card.

 

bosco

[CRUZBUDS]

If you don't use the diamond lounge for the evening cocktail hours you can get three drinks at most bars around the ship during the pre-dinner times. The drinks are preloaded on your sea pass card.

 

bosco

 

To clarify, you can use the lounge and you still have the 3 drinks loaded on your card -- 5:00 to 8:30 every night. (sometimes 4:30 to 8:00)

 

Much, much nicer than Celebrity. Drinks were way better, for a much longer amount of time. We enjoyed it so much that we booked another RCI cruise :)

[curtdesilets]

Thanks All !!

 

It sounds like the Diamond Lounge is way worth it!

 

Celebrity used to have a killer Elite Cocktail Hour in Michael's Club a few years ago. We would do it every night. Now Michael's Club is off limits unless you purchase one of their over-priced suites.

 

I'm so tired of starting sentences with "Celebrity used to have..." :mad:

[bigmjh]

I'm so tired of starting sentences with "Celebrity used to have..." :mad:

 

As Celebrity flies their flag high with the motto "WE USED TO HAVE" as they sail into the sunset ... unaware that their competition - flying their flags with "WE STILL HAVE" - are fast overcoming and passing them in the night. How blind are the Captains running this company??? :rolleyes:

[bob278]

Thanks All !!

 

It sounds like the Diamond Lounge is way worth it!

 

Celebrity used to have a killer Elite Cocktail Hour in Michael's Club a few years ago. We would do it every night. Now Michael's Club is off limits unless you purchase one of their over-priced suites.

 

I'm so tired of starting sentences with "Celebrity used to have..." :mad:

Don't forget another major benefit. As a Diamond member (be sure you get a C&A number before or when you book) you get a discount on the cruise (not an upgrade). For a 7-night cruise you get $200 if you book less than 6 months in advance or $225 if you book more than 6 months. And if you book a 10+ night cruise, the discount is $300/325. The discounts are per cabin, not per person.

 

You can see all the diamond benefits here.

[Wine-O]

Don't forget another major benefit. As a Diamond member (be sure you get a C&A number before or when you book) you get a discount on the cruise (not an upgrade). For a 7-night cruise you get $200 if you book less than 6 months in advance or $225 if you book more than 6 months. And if you book a 10+ night cruise, the discount is $300/325. The discounts are per cabin, not per person.

 

You can see all the diamond benefits here.

 

No free internet minutes or free laundry?

[thebutlerdidit]

 

You can see all the diamond benefits here.

 

I understand most of this, but could anyone elaborate on what the offers that are preloaded to your seapass card might be? Will there be a list of what's been loaded available in our stateroom?

 

What is the Chef's Choice Gift/Amenity, and when does that come into play?

 

What is the Welcome Gift/Amenity including choice of beverage? Is this something that will be placed in the cabin upon arrival?

 

Thanks for any answers you may be able to provide. We booked a cruise on the NOS for next year (our first RC cruise).

[bob278]

I understand most of this, but could anyone elaborate on what the offers that are preloaded to your seapass card might be? Will there be a list of what's been loaded available in our stateroom?

 

What is the Chef's Choice Gift/Amenity, and when does that come into play?

 

What is the Welcome Gift/Amenity including choice of beverage? Is this something that will be placed in the cabin upon arrival?

 

Thanks for any answers you may be able to provide. We booked a cruise on the NOS for next year (our first RC cruise).

In the past, there was a sheet of coupons left in the cabin based on your level in the C&A. The benefits included some form of free internet, free or discounted laundry, casino match play, photo discounts, etc. Recently those have been loaded on your sea pass card. We have not cruised on Royal since that started so will be seeing it for the first time in October.

 

The welcome gift/amenity is put in your cabin before you board. I don't recall many details, but for diamond plus, there are a couple of choices for a bottle of wine, I think you can get a logo beach towel or similar items. Best way to find out is to call the C&A number and ask. You can also go into your booking (or maybe it's your profile) and set up your preference online.

 

I don't recognize the Chef's Choice gift.

[curtdesilets]

In the past, there was a sheet of coupons left in the cabin based on your level in the C&A. The benefits included some form of free internet, free or discounted laundry, casino match play, photo discounts, etc. Recently those have been loaded on your sea pass card. We have not cruised on Royal since that started so will be seeing it for the first time in October.

 

The welcome gift/amenity is put in your cabin before you board. I don't recall many details, but for diamond plus, there are a couple of choices for a bottle of wine, I think you can get a logo beach towel or similar items. Best way to find out is to call the C&A number and ask. You can also go into your booking (or maybe it's your profile) and set up your preference online.

 

I don't recognize the Chef's Choice gift.

 

Celebrity is starting to do that....

 

Elite gets like 90 minutes of free internet. It used to be that you had to fill out a coupon, drop it in a box, and hopefully get credited 24-48 hours later. Now it is all on your card and automatic! Sweet!

[maggie.1008]

I cruise with my 83yr young dad once a year. We stay in the same cabin. He loves the Elite happy hour. The problem with Royal is they will not let my dad in the Happy hour as he is only at select level. Does not seem right as Royal guests that are Elite can bring person sharing cabin to X Elite events.

[Christine Frances]

Thanks All !!

 

It sounds like the Diamond Lounge is way worth it!

 

Celebrity used to have a killer Elite Cocktail Hour in Michael's Club a few years ago. We would do it every night. Now Michael's Club is off limits unless you purchase one of their over-priced suites.

 

I'm so tired of starting sentences with "Celebrity used to have..." :mad:

 

The last time we used Michael's Club as an Elite Lounge was in Jan/12 on the Infinity. By the next year there were too many Elites and it was relocated to the forward lounge. For the intervening 2-3 yrs before it became a suite perk it was the most under utilized venue on the ship. I am glad it is now being enjoyed by suite/zenith members and put to good use.

Edited June 21, 2015 by Christine Frances

[curtdesilets]

The last time we used Michael's Club as an Elite Lounge was in Jan/12 on the Infinity. By the next year there were too many Elites and it was relocated to the forward lounge. For the intervening 2-3 yrs before it became a suite perk it was the most under utilized venue on the ship. I am glad it is now being enjoyed by suite/zenith members and put to good use.

 

Michael's Club

 

The original intent of Michael's Club was as a Smoker's Lounge. Cigars, Pipes, etc. Now that Celebrity is practically a non-smoking cruise line, they had to try to refigure it's purpose. I understand that too many people became Elite too fast due to Celebrity's pretty easy system of ascension up the ranks. But it was fun while it lasted.

Edited June 21, 2015 by curtdesilets
spelling

[hcat]

While we prefer Celebrity for many reasons.....we were totally impressed with Diamond reciprocal perks on Oasis.(even though we did not like the ship) .

 

Diamond lounge was.a.great spot for morning lite breakfast...very private key card access and the Diamond rep was present to help with questions, bookings etc...very pleasant..

 

evening cocktails were held in a club...with a nice bar and lots of seating...great buffet that could easily replace dinner..

 

also enjoyed other perks mentioned already....wish we liked the Royal big ships more but Jewel and other Radiance class and Navigator were great.

[Honeybearhollow]

I am still a little confused about the Diamond lounge during the day. Are there any drinks available during the day? What kind of drinks and what is the charge, are any free, and , if there is a charge, is there a discount? Someone mentioned a Concierge. What services are offered through him or her? Is there a Diamond host? Are Mimosas served at the breakfast, as they are on Celebrity? In the Happy Hour, is there a 3 drink limit, as on Celebrity? These are all questions I have wondered about, but never seem to quite get answered. Thank you so much.

[cruisestitch]

Maybe you should ask on the Royal Caribbean board, and also check the Royal Caribbean website for further information.

[travelwide]

The Jewel of the Seas is one of the few ships (I believe there is only two left like this) that does not have a Diamond Lounge. They have a Concierge Lounge for D+ and above. You should check with C & A to find out what they offer D passengers. The D lounge will be installed in early 2016. Not sure if they just load the vouchers on the card or if they have a "Diamond Event" each evening.

 

You could also post your question on one of the roll calls for the Jewel. The passengers know more than the company people. There is also a thread on here called Diamond/Diamond Plus/Pinnacle. They might know.

[CruisingChick]

Celebrity is starting to do that....

 

Elite gets like 90 minutes of free internet. It used to be that you had to fill out a coupon, drop it in a box, and hopefully get credited 24-48 hours later. Now it is all on your card and automatic! Sweet!

 

This is the best new thing Celebrity has done. You can sign on to the internet on your device from the comfort of your cabin. When you go to register with you folio number your Captain's Club discount is right there.

 

Last year we sailed RCCL and Diamond members only got 30 minutes free internet. I don't remember if there were any laundry coupons. It was only an 8 night cruise and we really wouldn't need laundry for that.

 

But on RCCL you do each get a coupon for one free photo 8 x 10. That was a nice perk.

[Boo's Mom]

The [free laundry of 30 items] [ per person] (Elite, Celebrity) is GREATLY missed on RCI Diamond.

[CruisingChick]

The [free laundry of 30 items] [ per person] (Elite' date=' Celebrity) is GREATLY missed on RCI Diamond.[/quote']

 

Hi Jill. Long time no see. How are you and the family? The 2006 Baltics cruise we took is still my all time overall favorite.

 

Anne Maria

[Snit13]

I cruise with my 83yr young dad once a year. We stay in the same cabin. He loves the Elite happy hour. The problem with Royal is they will not let my dad in the Happy hour as he is only at select level. Does not seem right as Royal guests that are Elite can bring person sharing cabin to X Elite events.

 

We took friends who were traveling with us to Diamond Happy Hour but we did have to pay for their drinks. We just asked the person on duty and enjoyed every evening. We did this on more than one cruise.

[OHCruisin]

Jewel doesn't have the DL yet, will get in drydock, but they do set aside Hollywood Odyssey in the Viking Crown for the evening cocktail hours. It has a dedicated bar and the crudites, etc.

 

Not sure about Diamond. As Diamond Plus I do get internet minutes. But I know they recently changed it from 45-60 minutes over the course of the cruise to must be used within a 24 hour period.

 

I also do get one free bag of laundry on a 6+ days (?) cruise. Again, don't remember if this applies to Diamond. And as I never use it, that might be gone.

 

They will leave a list in your cabin of the benefits loaded on your seapass.

Edited June 22, 2015 by OHCruisin