Offers received from Club Royale (Royal Caribbean)

[RFerrington]

Great news, Marc !

 

I have found them to be very flexible with applying the FCC's. Glad it worked out for you

 

Raye

[EllaDuChien]

I agree the new program offers far less incentive to keep playing once you are up more than $1k at the tables. The CR Rep after my sailing in early November told me that you are no longer grandfathered into the program. You must requalify on each sailing for benefits for your next sailing. That qualification will also be applied to what casino rates you may be offered for future sailings as well as any additional discounts. So if you take multiple cruises a year and play in the casino the average of play does not count. Your play only counts from your last sailing. The certificates they hand out on the cruise are pretty much useless for me. The maximum value is $1k that can be applied to a future booking if you are unable to use the cert on one of their published cruises, and that is why I mentioned the threshold above. I will say that my level of play (dollar wise and time wise) has not changed from what I have been doing the last several years, but the level of comps/discounts/incentives surely has decreased. Benefits that I know have been removed are rebates, extra cabin casino rates for traveling friends/family members, onboard comps, extra discounts on cabin based on play now require the room to be repriced at the current room rate verses rate the existing booking was at. At this point, I am unable to name one positive feature of the new program for existing players.

 

To the best of my knowledge, this one has not been removed. Unless it just happened. I booked a cruise in September and they allowed me to book one extra cabin per Casino Royale member at casino rates. We have two members in one cabin, and they allowed me to book two family/friends cabins. This seems like an easy benefit to keep so I hope that they do not do away with this one. Not everyone in my family gambles, but they all love to cruise!

[RFerrington]

To the best of my knowledge, this one has not been removed. Unless it just happened. I booked a cruise in September and they allowed me to book one extra cabin per Casino Royale member at casino rates. We have two members in one cabin, and they allowed me to book two family/friends cabins. This seems like an easy benefit to keep so I hope that they do not do away with this one. Not everyone in my family gambles, but they all love to cruise!

 

Interesting. I never even knew you could EVER do this ! I will have to try it the next time we have others coming along with us. Thanks !

[OTownNick]

Interesting. I never even knew you could EVER do this ! I will have to try it the next time we have others coming along with us. Thanks !

 

I was told the 2nd stateroom at casino rates is now ONLY given if your 1st stateroom is comped! Otherwise they are not allowing it

[Happy Bee]

I was told the 2nd stateroom at casino rates is now ONLY given if your 1st stateroom is comped! Otherwise they are not allowing it

 

Correct ... My cabin --- comp and 1 for kids casino rate

But very interesting ...for exp I booke cabin in casino rate for kids on Harmony Nov 2017 and yes, like always casino rate is great.... ($2,220 incl taxes/port fee central park balcony + pack of soda + lunch Giovanni's Table)

 

Then I desided to call random TA and different between regular price and TA rate is $2,550 incl taxes/port fees ---- $200 less then regular price + they will pay gratitutes ($170 for this sailing )+ 150 OBC + specialty dining for 2 + spa for 1 (central park balcony)

 

...........

[Wally Alligator]

Was on a short RCCL Enchantment cruise last week and spent more time in the casino than I should have. Was my first time on RCCL so I stopped by the Casino Host desk on the second day and asked about this Club Royale thingy. She looked me up on her computer, put a “CASINO Royale VIP” sticker on my card for free drinks and waiver of the 5% convenience fee.

 

She also said next cruise I would have the free drinks and 5% waiver from the start since I was over 1500 points. All well and good as I have another short RCCL cruise coming up in February. When preparing to leave I found a future cruise certificate in my mailbox.

 

Got home from the cruise and was talking to a neighbor who was also on a RCCL cruise last week (Navigator). This neighbor makes my gambling seem penny-ante. He claimed no one on board received free drinks in the casino no matter what their level of play was and was told this would be the case across the entire RCCL fleet by January. Future comps would be limited to the 5% convenience fee waiver and future cruise certificates.

 

Does this seem like reliable information? Anyone else being told similar?

 

George

[RFerrington]

He claimed no one on board received free drinks in the casino no matter what their level of play was and was told this would be the case across the entire RCCL fleet by January. Future comps would be limited to the 5% convenience fee waiver and future cruise certificates.

 

I have not heard this however nothing would surprise me anymore. I truly find it hard to believe that NOBODY will receive free drinks. There have been some pretty big players on some of the cruises I have been on....but I think that level of player has always been outside of the "rules" that apply to most of us.

 

Guess we'll find out in January ! I will be on Harmony in Feb. so will know by then.

 

BTW, nice job on getting all of the perks on-the-spot !

[gerig]

It appears that royal caribbean likes the idea that the program has bee n revamped and the fact that no one else knows what the requirements are to earn extras and time periods your status is active for except casino royale.

 

It is nearly a year since the program has been revamped but no one knows all the rules except casino royale.

 

I am not happy with the fact that I went on a back to back cruise in October and played heavily on the first cruise and hardly played at all on the 2nd cruise. I went with girlfriends on the first and husband on the second. On the second cruise I booked another cruise for 2017 and contacted the casino royale department to apply the casino rate. I was told that my first cruise numbers had not been received yet and there was no mention on how it was to be calculated. when I got home I received an email with a small discount and this is for an off season cruise. I inquired as to how this is calculated since I cruised in January on grandeur and emailed a free cruise. I went on the free cruise which was only 3 nights and played alot. I also played heavily on the first half of the back to back cruise.

 

I was informed that my play on the back to back is not considered as one cruise and my second cruise of 9 days was averaged into the calculation. I insisted I booked the cruise before my second cruise was complete so it shouldn't have been figured into the calculation. Casino royale is in charge and has all the rules but hasn't informed their players what they are. So my play on the 5 day cruise was now considered play for a 14 day cruise.

 

I have two royal caribbean cruises booked for 2017 and will not spend a penny in their casino.

[lazydayz]

Just off Brillance. No issues with getting free drinks and 5% waiver. They regularly announced 2400 points for a free cruise. Also was able to convert points for OBC. I got a free OV and $60 in OBC.

 

I liked it better under the old system, because they tried to make you feel special. This was more of a business transaction. But the casino host did call to check if I wanted OBC or free play.

[Daghis]

Was the offer for OBC vs. free play "even money"? I think that NCL will offer a bonus if you choose free play.

[BEENSAILING]

Was on a short RCCL Enchantment cruise last week and spent more time in the casino than I should have. Was my first time on RCCL so I stopped by the Casino Host desk on the second day and asked about this Club Royale thingy. She looked me up on her computer, put a “CASINO Royale VIP” sticker on my card for free drinks and waiver of the 5% convenience fee.

 

She also said next cruise I would have the free drinks and 5% waiver from the start since I was over 1500 points. All well and good as I have another short RCCL cruise coming up in February. When preparing to leave I found a future cruise certificate in my mailbox.

 

Got home from the cruise and was talking to a neighbor who was also on a RCCL cruise last week (Navigator). This neighbor makes my gambling seem penny-ante. He claimed no one on board received free drinks in the casino no matter what their level of play was and was told this would be the case across the entire RCCL fleet by January. Future comps would be limited to the 5% convenience fee waiver and future cruise certificates.

 

Does this seem like reliable information? Anyone else being told similar?

 

George

 

I am on 2nd B2B on Navigator. Free drinks, comped in Casino, only to those who have VIP sticker on sea pass card. Makes no difference about how much you are playing. I watched people speak to casink manager and casino host. There is no bending on this.

[lazydayz]

Was the offer for OBC vs. free play "even money"? I think that NCL will offer a bonus if you choose free play.

 

It was the same in either free play or OBC, so I took the OBC.

[lazydayz]

How was Shirley doing? We are trying to get on Brilliance before she leaves.

 

Thanks

 

Shirley is doing well. She has lots of energy. Had a couple of free tournaments. I was picked for one but no luck. It was kind of her to call me.

[OTownNick]

Shirley is doing well. She has lots of energy. Had a couple of free tournaments. I was picked for one but no luck. It was kind of her to call me.

 

Shirley Wong is on BR. ?? Awesome. I hope she's still on there Dec31!!

 

Last 2 weeks I sailed on Majesty and played 2+ hours the 1st time and 7+ hours the second sailing.Exact same avg bet of $75 at roulette (both sailing's). Somehow I only ended up with a $300 Cert on EACH sailing (confirmed I had about 1,500-ish points on both sailings). The first sailing I won $1,000 and the second sailing I LOST $1,000. How the heck did I get the exact same points on each sailing? I have CR checking into this.

 

If all I'm gonna get now is a $300 Cert then shame on me for gambling in the casino on these short cruises after I'm winning a decent amount. No incentive to play even after being up $300-$500...

[OTownNick]

It was the same in either free play or OBC, so I took the OBC.

 

Shoot. I would take the OBC. I have so many cruises booked I end up throwing the certs away....I never heard of this option so I will ask this weekend on MJ. Just threw away $600 the last 2 weeks

[lazydayz]

Shoot. I would take the OBC. I have so many cruises booked I end up throwing the certs away....I never heard of this option so I will ask this weekend on MJ. Just threw away $600 the last 2 weeks

 

Just to clarify, this is in addition to the certificate for a free cruise. Free cruise at 2400 points, but you can use those points for OBC or free play on the ship.

[lazydayz]

Shirley Wong is on BR. ?? Awesome. I hope she's still on there Dec31!!

 

Yes, she is on BR now. Don't know if she will be there on 12/31. Nice lady.

[tomko2]

Shirley Wong is on BR. ?? Awesome. I hope she's still on there Dec31!!

 

Yes, she is on BR now. Don't know if she will be there on 12/31. Nice lady.

 

Shirley needs to come back to the Indy. :) Her WOOWOOs are a hoot.

It was extremely low keyed in the casino on the Allure last week despite the Royal Poker Tourney. I earned over 2800 pts during the 7 days, got a free cruise certificate but no offer of free drinks.

Looking forward to getting back on the Indy next month.

Kathy

[Life is Good Cruising]

 

Shirley needs to come back to the Indy. :) Her WOOWOOs are a hoot.

It was extremely low keyed in the casino on the Allure last week despite the Royal Poker Tourney. I earned over 2800 pts during the 7 days, got a free cruise certificate but no offer of free drinks.

Looking forward to getting back on the Indy next month.

Kathy

 

I would like Shirley back on Anthem ;) and in agreement, she is a hoot :)

[Life is Good Cruising]

FYI CR members:

 

CR just informed me effective immediately, any bookings made on board on any ship, will not be able to be transferred to CR for any CR discounted cruise fares. I asked why the change, no reason was given.

 

Also, for those that may not know this, which has been in effect for quite a while, Guest Services will allow you to make a courtesy call to CR while on board.

[chandom]

FYI CR members:

 

CR just informed me effective immediately, any bookings made on board on any ship, will not be able to be transferred to CR for any CR discounted cruise fares. I asked why the change, no reason was given.

 

Also, for those that may not know this, which has been in effect for quite a while, Guest Services will allow you to make a courtesy call to CR while on board.

I had heard this mentioned a few months ago on the phone.

 

Think it was done to close the loophole of taking the OBC on the current cruise. When learned I became eligible for the rate and converted my bookings, for the reduced rate, the OBC for the future cruise was removed.

 

Sent from a mobile device

Edited December 17, 2016 by chandom

[Life is Good Cruising]

I had heard this mentioned a few months ago on the phone.

 

Think it was done to close the loophole of taking the OBC on the current cruise. When learned I became eligible for the rate and converted my bookings, for the reduced rate, the OBC for the future cruise was removed.

 

Sent from a mobile device

 

Agree with you about closing the loophole. CR told me last month if I would have taken the OBC, I couldn't transfer our booking, now it's official.

[RFerrington]

FYI CR members:

 

CR just informed me effective immediately, any bookings made on board on any ship, will not be able to be transferred to CR for any CR discounted cruise fares.

 

Interesting. I am surprised that you are not able to book a Next Cruise using the CR discount right up front. The Casino Rate is readily available (to the booking agent) so I don't see any reason why they couldn't book using the CR rate right from the get-go.

 

Maybe it has to do with the OBC. I guess they feel like you are already getting a great deal so they don't want to provide you with OBC in addition to the reduced rate.

 

I've never booked a Next Cruise b/c I know that I will never be able to beat the CR casino rate so I just don't bother...but now I guess I never will !

[Life is Good Cruising]

 

Shirley needs to come back to the Indy. :) Her WOOWOOs are a hoot.

It was extremely low keyed in the casino on the Allure last week despite the Royal Poker Tourney. I earned over 2800 pts during the 7 days, got a free cruise certificate but no offer of free drinks.

Looking forward to getting back on the Indy next month.

Kathy

 

Usually once someone hits 1500 points, they are issued a sticker for free drinks in the casino. Did you book through CR?

 

Interesting. I am surprised that you are not able to book a Next Cruise using the CR discount right up front. The Casino Rate is readily available (to the booking agent) so I don't see any reason why they couldn't book using the CR rate right from the get-go.

 

Maybe it has to do with the OBC. I guess they feel like you are already getting a great deal so they don't want to provide you with OBC in addition to the reduced rate.

 

I've never booked a Next Cruise b/c I know that I will never be able to beat the CR casino rate so I just don't bother...but now I guess I never will !

 

I have no idea if the casino rate is available to the NC agents. I was told a while ago, that Anthem was going to have a CR agent working on board at the NC desk, but that never came to be.

 

I always book through CR, but only made a booking on board in October because we were on a B2B then and found out on the 2nd day there may be the CR Bermuda Golf event in May. CR always hires Andy Avery to sing in the casino on their Golf event sailings, they twisted my arm and I had to book that sailing

:D;)

Edited December 17, 2016 by Life is Good Cruising

[somerandomidiot]

just off of harmony.

 

I went on the first day for the sticker for the 5% waiver and was told that i wasn't eligible for one. I told 'em no waiver no play. 15 minutes later they came back with a sticker and a lame apology.

 

At the end of the first week, they gave me a cert for $750, when i went to ask them about it, they gave me a lame apology and another one for 1000.

 

At the end of the second week, they gave me a cert for $100, when i went to ask them about it, they gave me a lame apology and another one for 1000.

I can't believe the 900 difference. I lose enough that they don't need to be trying to screw me every chance they get.

 

They told me that the minimum for an obc is 8k in losses. Anyone know if that number is right?

Edited December 18, 2016 by somerandomidiot