RCCL new Diamond Lounge Policy?

[ChipLondon]

I think some people don’t have time to read 2700+ posts when so many of them are off subject.

 

Royal do not have a new DL policy, they simply have a policy, that reads that benefits are liable to change.

 

What they do have is a problem with consistency, when different approaches are made of each ship.

This in turn creates an issue where loyal guests begin to expect their best experience at all times.

 

My recent conversation ( yesterday) with a C&A director was heavily focused on their intentions to ensure a uniform delivery of all benefits across the fleet. Clearly over the years some Concierge and HDs have interpreted the offerings in their own way, this had let to expectations on some ships that have not matched those found on others. As such they are now trying to ensure a standard offering across the fleet.

This unfortunately will result in the offering being based on the facilities available on the older ships when the new SL has not been introduced.

 

Sure we all know there are too many D members to be accommodated in the original lounges, luckily this has produced a situation where many of us can still enjoy our drink benefit around the ship, and get to meet new friends ( some of whom may even be first time cruisers ). The other major benefit to those that are entitled ( I hate that word ) is that we are now able to enjoy our drinks with sailing friends that may not have access to the lounge.

 

I actually think that the key people that are missing out are the Concierge team, as when many people do not use the lounge (due to crowding issues) then understandably they do not tip in that area. Also as the concierge is so busy dealing with many members, they are unable to offer a very personalised service many of us have enjoyed in the past, another reason why their tips may have reduced.

 

I think we should all cruise on a value for money basis. If we enjoy this cruise then book another, if however we consider our leisure money could be spend in other ways, then so be it.

 

Sometimes in life we get less for our money than we used to......lets face it my Cadburys Creme Eggs are much smaller than they used to be............and that my friends is a major issue :D

 

I think someone didn’t read the thread before posting

 

 

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[Merion_Mom]

I think some people don’t have time to read 2700+ posts when so many of them are off subject.

 

 

 

Royal do not have a new DL policy, they simply have a policy, that reads that benefits are liable to change.

 

 

 

What they do have is a problem with consistency, when different approaches are made of each ship.

 

This in turn creates an issue where loyal guests begin to expect their best experience at all times.

 

 

 

My recent conversation ( yesterday) with a C&A director was heavily focused on their intentions to ensure a uniform delivery of all benefits across the fleet. Clearly over the years some Concierge and HDs have interpreted the offerings in their own way, this had let to expectations on some ships that have not matched those found on others. As such they are now trying to ensure a standard offering across the fleet.

 

This unfortunately will result in the offering being based on the facilities available on the older ships when the new SL has not been introduced.

 

 

 

Sure we all know there are too many D members to be accommodated in the original lounges, luckily this has produced a situation where many of us can still enjoy our drink benefit around the ship, and get to meet new friends ( some of whom may even be first time cruisers ). The other major benefit to those that are entitled ( I hate that word ) is that we are now able to enjoy our drinks with sailing friends that may not have access to the lounge.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Try "eligible". [emoji4]

 

 

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[ChipLondon]

Yay perfect..................( and still “on subject” as your comment is about mine on the Thread subject):D

 

Try "eligible". [emoji4]

 

 

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[TYMAN]

Your onboard account may have diminished but I wager you have paid up front many times over for those 11-11 drinks on the price of the GS, so you may as well make the most of them. :eek:

 

 

 

It’s only $$. You can’t take it with you....

 

 

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[icsys]

Slide open wall, provide more staff, providemore booze, provide more apps.

Keeping that door closed cuts back on a lot of expenses

 

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You could be right, however, the extra staff (if needed) would be assigned from elsewhere and are paid on tips paid by the guests. The boozeand apps are less than $1 per serving.

Keeping the door closed most likely annoys the loyal guests.

[icsys]

They were going to start the policy on the Radiance on the Circumnavigation of Australia and NZ which always has a lot of Diamonds, D+ and Pinnacles but decided against it. I think it's sensible to start it on an Alaskan cruise where there will be less loyalty guests.

 

I remember the debacle on the Explorer TP in 2016 (which by memory you were on) and I think there will be a whole lot more on the Mariner. I guess they will shut the DL down completely again. Not long now until we find out:D

 

Cheers

Di

Hmmm, shutting down the DL, I can't see how that would go down very well.

If that were to be the case, at the very least, they should allow the 3 vouchers to be used anywhere on the ship.

[icsys]

I think some people don’t have time to read 2700+ posts when so many of them are off subject.

 

Royal do not have a new DL policy, they simply have a policy, that reads that benefits are liable to change.

 

What they do have is a problem with consistency, when different approaches are made of each ship.

This in turn creates an issue where loyal guests begin to expect their best experience at all times.

 

My recent conversation ( yesterday) with a C&A director was heavily focused on their intentions to ensure a uniform delivery of all benefits across the fleet. Clearly over the years some Concierge and HDs have interpreted the offerings in their own way, this had let to expectations on some ships that have not matched those found on others. As such they are now trying to ensure a standard offering across the fleet.

This unfortunately will result in the offering being based on the facilities available on the older ships when the new SL has not been introduced.

Consistency is key.

If everything was consistent across the entire fleet, then to those that are 'eligible', there would be no confusion or misunderstandings.

Edited March 8, 2018 by icsys

[Bobal]

I did start reading this thread initially when it was on-topic but zoned out when it became a lot of off-topic chat. Rather than scroll back through the whole thread does anyone have any indication of whether they will have overflow lounges for the cruises which attract huge numbers of D up - such as TAs. Heading off on Explorer transpacific next month and assume that also attracts many numbers, so wondered whether there is likely to be an overflow for that.

[icsys]

Your onboard account may have diminished but I wager you have paid up front many times over for those 11-11 drinks on the price of the GS, so you may as well make the most of them. :eek:

It’s only $$. You can’t take it with you....

You are absolutely right... you can't. You should reap the rewards of your labor.

We are just trying to make what little $$ we have go much further... :ship:

[booze brothers]

Your right and i asked people if they would post when they were onboard if they were having an overflow lounge or not.

 

 

We're on the Navigator, and they sure do have an over flow lounge. 5-600 D, D+ and a few Pins

[Milwaukee Eight]

Except for those who will want an expensive drink not covered by the DP.

 

 

 

It helps. I think the DP pays up to like $12-13 and then you pay the rest. Wine is a different story but we have both gotten a significant discount on a bottle of Caymus using our DP and Diamond discount.

 

 

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[Ski-Lady]

On the last day of our cruise, an 11 day on the Serenade. On overflow for the DL on any night. Most people get their drinks an then go sit in the Vortex, then going back to get more drinks when they want them.

 

Rumors are running rampant, RCL is closing the DL, DL is going to be for Diamond Plus only, loyalty program is going to be based on dollars spent, ect. Both Willie and Mario are very closed mouth other to say there will be no overflow.

 

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[Redrobo]

It helps. I think the DP pays up to like $12-13 and then you pay the rest. Wine is a different story but we have both gotten a significant discount on a bottle of Caymus using our DP and Diamond discount.

 

 

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We tend to stick to wine and beers priced within the DP limit. I'm sure there will always be those, DP or not will pour alcohol down their necks if they think it is free. :)

 

I have lost some taste due to smoking but Caymus is a little heavy for us. I use Naked Wines, they have some Napa Valley growers that we help and we get discount on their wines.

[grapau27]

I think some people don’t have time to read 2700+ posts when so many of them are off subject.

 

Royal do not have a new DL policy, they simply have a policy, that reads that benefits are liable to change.

 

What they do have is a problem with consistency, when different approaches are made of each ship.

This in turn creates an issue where loyal guests begin to expect their best experience at all times.

 

My recent conversation ( yesterday) with a C&A director was heavily focused on their intentions to ensure a uniform delivery of all benefits across the fleet. Clearly over the years some Concierge and HDs have interpreted the offerings in their own way, this had let to expectations on some ships that have not matched those found on others. As such they are now trying to ensure a standard offering across the fleet.

This unfortunately will result in the offering being based on the facilities available on the older ships when the new SL has not been introduced.

 

Sure we all know there are too many D members to be accommodated in the original lounges, luckily this has produced a situation where many of us can still enjoy our drink benefit around the ship, and get to meet new friends ( some of whom may even be first time cruisers ). The other major benefit to those that are entitled ( I hate that word ) is that we are now able to enjoy our drinks with sailing friends that may not have access to the lounge.

 

I actually think that the key people that are missing out are the Concierge team, as when many people do not use the lounge (due to crowding issues) then understandably they do not tip in that area. Also as the concierge is so busy dealing with many members, they are unable to offer a very personalised service many of us have enjoyed in the past, another reason why their tips may have reduced.

 

I think we should all cruise on a value for money basis. If we enjoy this cruise then book another, if however we consider our leisure money could be spend in other ways, then so be it.

 

Sometimes in life we get less for our money than we used to......lets face it my Cadburys Creme Eggs are much smaller than they used to be............and that my friends is a major issue :D

Good post.

My concern is the size of

Picnic bars now.

[grapau27]

Hmmm, shutting down the DL, I can't see how that would go down very well.

If that were to be the case, at the very least, they should allow the 3 vouchers to be used anywhere on the ship.

If they close the DL then RC will have a Mutiny on the high ses.

[grapau27]

We're on the Navigator, and they sure do have an over flow lounge. 5-600 D, D+ and a few Pins

Thanks for posting.

[Milwaukee Eight]

On the last day of our cruise, an 11 day on the Serenade. On overflow for the DL on any night. Most people get their drinks an then go sit in the Vortex, then going back to get more drinks when they want them.

 

Rumors are running rampant, RCL is closing the DL, DL is going to be for Diamond Plus only, loyalty program is going to be based on dollars spent, ect. Both Willie and Mario are very closed mouth other to say there will be no overflow.

 

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Loyalty should be by $ spent with Royal. Cabin, Dinning, Excursions, Casino, ship tours, Park West , shopping, photo packages, and so on. I believe you catch the drift. [emoji33]

 

 

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[Milwaukee Eight]

Good post.

My concern is the size of

Picnic bars now.

 

 

 

What is a “Picnic Bar”?

 

 

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[icsys]

What is a “Picnic Bar”?

 

 

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[TYMAN]

You are absolutely right... you can't. You should reap the rewards of your labor.

 

We are just trying to make what little $$ we have go much further... :ship:

 

 

 

I’m with you there....

 

 

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[Milwaukee Eight]

 

 

 

So, is there an issue with size? Maybe a UK thing?

 

 

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[icsys]

So, is there an issue with size? Maybe a UK thing?

 

Since the hostile Kraft-Heinz takeover in 2009, all the Cadbury products began to shrink

[grapau27]

Since the hostile Kraft-Heinz takeover in 2009, all the Cadbury products began to shrink

Plus a lot of the products are made in Europe now rather than in Cadburys English factories.

Products have shrank and prices gone up.

[Milwaukee Eight]

Plus a lot of the products are made in Europe now rather than in Cadburys English factories.

Products have shrank and prices gone up.

 

 

 

See, the Europeans engage in a little bit of Capitalism.

 

 

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[icsys]

To be fair, every product is being squeezed for more profit...

 

...even the Ds are being squeezed... into the DL.

 

 

See, I got the thread back on topic. Oops that's another confectionary bar.