Club Orange priorities

[EDLOS]

Does membership in "Club Orange" give you priority over 4 and 5 Star  members on Embarkation and Disembarkation ??? Other perks ???

[ellieanne]

This is my question. What is the order of preference for "Priority" among the 5-Star Mariners, 4-Star Mariners, Suite Passengers, and Club Orange Members? And what happens if half (or more) the ship has some sort of Priority status? It really can become a situation where everyone has Priority, and therefore no-one really does.

[catl331]

There is no order within "priority". All 4*, 5*, and Neptune suites are at the same level, and go at the same time when priority boarding is called. I expect it's the same for Club Orange.

 

We were once on a Prinsendam cruise where about 2/3 of the passengers were "priority" due to star level, but it's not likely to happen on the largest ships.

Edited December 10, 2018 by catl331

[CruiserBruce]

Plus, Club Orange will be capacity controlled. So not everyone can have the priority of Suite pax and 4 and 5 star Mariners.

[KirkNC]

I was cruising when this whole Club Orange thing was announced.  Another poorly conceived idea that HAL assumes will work just because it does on Carnival (ignore the demographic differences between the lines).  Luckily it will only be on the K'dam and N. S'dam, two ships we will try to avoid anyway.

[CGYCruisingFamily]

52 minutes ago, KirkNC said:

I was cruising when this whole Club Orange thing was announced.  Another poorly conceived idea that HAL assumes will work just because it does on Carnival (ignore the demographic differences between the lines).  Luckily it will only be on the K'dam and N. S'dam, two ships we will try to avoid anyway.

 

 

 Actually, I had a talk with HAL as a travel agent and they said it will eventually be rolled out fleet wide.

 

i also contacted a reasonably high up representative to share the feedback I’ve recieved from some of my 4 and 5* clients. Not that it will do much, but she said the program is a work in progress and they will be listening to feedback.

 

As a 3* myself, I’m not happy that this group of people will have more perks for purchase than Mariners who have spent how much on their loyalty to the product will have?

 

Would it not be fair to give say 5*s the same perks?

 

i would suggest anyone who does not like this, contact HAL and give them feedback. If they don’t hear from people they aren’t happy, nothing can possibly be done.

[KirkNC]

7 minutes ago, CGYCruisingFamily said:

 

 

 Actually, I had a talk with HAL as a travel agent and they said it will eventually be rolled out fleet wide.

 

i also contacted a reasonably high up representative to share the feedback I’ve recieved from some of my 4 and 5* clients. Not that it will do much, but she said the program is a work in progress and they will be listening to feedback.

 

As a 3* myself, I’m not happy that this group of people will have more perks for purchase than Mariners who have spent how much on their loyalty to the product will have?

 

Would it not be fair to give say 5*s the same perks?

 

i would suggest anyone who does not like this, contact HAL and give them feedback. If they don’t hear from people they aren’t happy, nothing can possibly be done.

 

Good advice.  At the end of the day I don't see many people willing to pay $100/day/couple for these perks.  It reminds me of when HAL started the beverage package (another misfit idea from Carnival).  We were waiting to board a ship in Amsterdam and a couple of Lido waitresses were working the passengers trying to sell the package for $50/pp/day )or some number like that.  People were literally laughing at them.  Now almost everyone with the beverage package gets it for "free" as part of Explore4.  I would be curious where the special dining area will be on non-Pinnacle class ships?  As with much of what HAL implements, they have probably not thought that through.

[EDLOS]

2 hours ago, CruiserBruce said:

Plus, Club Orange will be capacity controlled. So not everyone can have the priority of Suite pax and 4 and 5 star Mariners.

The capacity will be reached when people stop putting down $50/person,  not some ?? number.

Yes,  I am also laughing at HAL latest attempt to attract a "New, Younger" cruiser with 50's/60's venues. It's going to be very exciting to see those  60 and 70 year old's going down mermory lane doing the "Twist", but then again, these people will need Spa treatments, to be able to move the next day !

 

[frankc98376]

According to the HAL press release on the Vista and Signature ships Club Orange will be a dedicated part of the MDR.

 

As I recall "R" class used part of the MDR for the suite breakfast at one time due to no windows in PG.  When we were on Amsterdam breakfast was in PG.

 

Main reason we like breakfast in PG is the relaxed quiet atmosphere. I'm afraid that being in a corner of the dining room is going to be loud and staff rushing around.  Our dinners are exclusively at PG for the same reason.  We don't like crowds or noise and certainly don't feel the need to be in a roped off "VIP" or "special section of the MDR especially on the morning.

[OlsSalt]

Considering how many cruise credits we have racked up since we take a lot of HAL shore excursions, I am looking forwards to some 6 star and 7 star Mariner benefits.  

 

Wonder what they could be. Free wifi would probably be the best. Small cocktail parties with officers were fun in the past where you can really talk to them. Guaranteed one-day laundry turn around.  One free sail away party drink.  Pinnacle breakfasts. Not too much else we need, put those suggestions in the wants mabye category. 

Edited December 10, 2018 by OlsSalt

[catl331]

1 hour ago, OlsSalt said:

Wonder what they could be.

Fare discounts.

Edited December 10, 2018 by catl331

[johnnyswitzerland]

As long as they don't take away what remains of the Explorer's Lounge to create this dining room on the Vista and Signature class vessels...  That would be pretty lousy.  And unfortunately the precedent is set (see: original Chart Room on Cunard's Queen Victoria).

Edited December 10, 2018 by johnnyswitzerland

[OlsSalt]

25 minutes ago, johnnyswitzerland said:

As long as they don't take away what remains of the Explorer's Lounge to create this dining room on the Vista and Signature class vessels...  That would be pretty lousy.  And unfortunately the precedent is set (see: original Chart Room on Cunard's Queen Victoria).

 

They could get rid of the casinos and use that lovely, windowed space for Club Orange dining, and finally resolve most of the smoking issues as well as all the Club 21 discounted cruises.  Turn it into an art walk corridor space between the Library and the Atrium on the R & S class ships, with this more intimate dining setting off to the side. 

[trixiee]

3 hours ago, OlsSalt said:

 

They could get rid of the casinos and use that lovely, windowed space for Club Orange dining, and finally resolve most of the smoking issues as well as all the Club 21 discounted cruises.  Turn it into an art walk corridor space between the Library and the Atrium on the R & S class ships, with this more intimate dining setting off to the side. 

LOL!  Ya,get rid of a profit centre!  Sure! 

[Boatdrill]

Cruise lines have certainly brought back a variety "classes" for passengers.

Formerly known as First Class, 2nd Class, etc, they came with designated dining rooms, public lounges and decks. 

Passengers were separated according to what they paid, and everyone on board knew where they belonged.

But the underlying resentment was unavoidable.

 

The mass market lines have returned to this concept, and I hoped HAL would resist the temptation to join in.

HAL always seemed to be in a class of its own. 

 

As another poster said,  the Orange Club is a good enough reason to avoid HAL"s new ships. The movie screen by the pool and ridiculous Promenade Deck were enough reasons for me. Now there is a third.  

Edited December 11, 2018 by Boatdrill

[OlsSalt]

27 minutes ago, Boatdrill said:

Cruise lines have certainly brought back a variety "classes" for passengers.

Formerly known as First Class, 2nd Class, etc, they came with designated dining rooms, public lounges and decks. 

Passengers were separated according to what they paid, and everyone on board knew where they belonged.

But the underlying resentment was unavoidable.

 

The mass market lines have returned to this concept, and I hoped HAL would resist the temptation to join in.

HAL always seemed to be in a class of its own. 

 

As another poster said,  the Orange Club is a good enough reason to avoid HAL"s new ships. The movie screen by the pool and ridiculous Promenade Deck were enough reasons for me. Now there is a third.  

 

My guess would be the larger the ship, the more need to create these different smaller venues for passenger choice.  And the trend does seem to be going larger so this appears to be the best answer to mind-numbing sameness in all quarters.  If we have to be stuck on larger ships in the future, I would welcome at least having the choice to re-create the sense of a smaller ship venue.

[frankc98376]

I have no problem with Club Orange just as I have no problem with a first class cabin on a plane or a Concierge level in a hotel. If I don't buy a first class ticket I won't get free drinks, big seat, and food on dishes (normally). If people wish to pay more then there should be some value.  

 

Personally, don't see the value in the new ships.  Club Orange area (former Culinary Arts Center) doesn't appear to have windows and looks very much like a hotel coffee shop in the pictures.  We always sail in NS and really liked the PG for breakfast- quiet and great views. I understand on Vista and Signature Club Orange will be an area of MDR. We will stick with PG for our dinners and likely breakfast in our stateroom.

[frankc98376]

Club Orange on Nieuw Statendam from the current "live from" thread.  Windows look out to the main hallway from Ocean Bar to MDR.  Tables in back are the tall bar height tables with bar height chairs- not my idea of fine dining. Floor appears to be "faux wood".  I understand that Vista and Signature will be part of MDR from recent posts.  We don't care for the rush and noise in MDR.  Since apparently breakfast in PG for NS will be no more once this is in place will very likely be room service for us.

 

Also included a pic of Haven Dining Room from NCL. Didn't add Celebrity but Illuminai is similar- windows look out to the sea.

[EDLOS]

2 hours ago, OlsSalt said:

 

My guess would be the larger the ship, the more need to create these different smaller venues for passenger choice.  And the trend does seem to be going larger so this appears to be the best answer to mind-numbing sameness in all quarters.  If we have to be stuck on larger ships in the future, I would welcome at least having the choice to re-create the sense of a smaller ship venue.

FYI     going larger may not be totally true, as on my last two NCL cruises, they made special presentations on two new ships coming on stream being smaller, back just under 3000 persons alluding to problems managing these 4000 plus mega-ships and or profitability. I got the implication that staffing, training, managing and turnover of crew is not without problems.

[johnnyswitzerland]

2 hours ago, frankc98376 said:

…and looks very much like a hotel coffee shop in the pictures.

 

Couldn't agree more.  It almost seems like making this space the Club Orange restaurant was an afterthought.  Like they decided the ATK space/demo kitchen wasn't working and chose something else to do with it.  It was definitely not designed to be an upscale dining experience from the start.  Looks just like on The K.

 

On the Vistas and Signatures, this lower level space leading from atrium to MDR is the Explorer's Lounge – a wonderful space.  Sorry to have lost it and its beautiful views to this.

[frankc98376]

3 minutes ago, johnnyswitzerland said:

 

Couldn't agree more.  It almost seems like making this space the Club Orange restaurant was an afterthought.  Like they decided the ATK space/demo kitchen wasn't working and chose something else to do with it.  It was definitely not designed to be an upscale dining experience from the start.  Looks just like on The K.

 

On the Vistas and Signatures, this lower level space leading from atrium to MDR is the Explorer's Lounge – a wonderful space.  Sorry to have lost it and its beautiful views to this.

Sounded like they would "carve off" a portion of the MDR. If anything I could see them taking a part of the photo gallery but I'm confident the Explorer's lounge  is safe

[johnnyswitzerland]

Just now, frankc98376 said:

Sounded like they would "carve off" a portion of the MDR. If anything I could see them taking a part of the photo gallery but I'm confident the Explorer's lounge  is safe

 

Happy to hear that.  Thank you!  Still missed it aboard The K, along with the glass elevators and Silk Den.

 

I don't want to knock Club Orange too hard…  We've been known to frequent and enjoy the Haven Restaurant and Luminae on other trips, so maybe it will suit us.  The space just seems ill conceived.

 

Thanks again for reassuring me about the Vista and Signature class ships!

[kazu]

4 minutes ago, frankc98376 said:

Sounded like they would "carve off" a portion of the MDR. If anything I could see them taking a part of the photo gallery but I'm confident the Explorer's lounge  is safe

I was thinking the same thing.  I can't see wrecking the Explorers' Lounge.  At least, I certainly hope not 😉 

[KirkNC]

This whole thing will be funny to watch unfold.  We should start a pool on when it will implode.  It's like the "Retreat" on the Rotterdam.  Someone at HAL actually thought that was a good idea as well.

[Cruiser Bruiser]

I'm surprised that no one thus far has mentioned Princess and its Club Class. Besides a mini suite with ostensibly upgraded furnishings, Club Class features Club Class Dining with a dedicated space in the MDR. It also offers a few other perks, including priority dis/embarkation. Club Orange is simply HAL's version of the former with a dedicated dining room rather than dedicated cabin categories.

 

Also add me to the confused re the use of ATK as the Club Orange dining room rather than ATK. It must have been a last minute change, or someone in Seattle simply decided not to spend any money to make it a bit more plush. Or, perhaps it's just a test and the space on Pinnacle class will be upgraded if the test is successful.