Concierge Service - enforced restrictions

[sandancer]

Lola and Pete - now they were the 2 things I always used. In May we had photo coupons on the Navigator but the Casino coupon was a free slot pull. I also used the ice cream coupons but I could live without them. As long as we can still use the lounge (especially for breakfast) we will be happy.

[Don Pedro]

Lola and Pete - now they were the 2 things I always used. In May we had photo coupons on the Navigator but the Casino coupon was a free slot pull. I also used the ice cream coupons but I could live without them. As long as we can still use the lounge (especially for breakfast) we will be happy.

 

They were also the coupons that we always used. We were quite shocked to see the photo coupons gone. On the bright side they have added a buy one temporary tatoo and get the second one for free coupon. Whoope!

[traveler/]

"Taking 3, 5 day cruises in a Junior Suite will do the trick"

I thought I heard somewhere that RCI were going to follow the Princess system where moving up the status ladder would be based on the number of nights cruised and not on the number of cruises taken as so many people were becoming Diamond by doing lots of short cruises. I also heard that they were considering making the requirement for Diamond membership 25 cruises. Anyone heard either of the above?

Yes, I have heard of the # of nights cruised criteria.

I was emailed a detailed survey by RCL regarding the C & A program. It appeared to me that RCL was seriously considering making changes to the program because the questions and choices were very detailed.

 

One of the choices was determining status by number of nights cruised. I remember commenting that I though everyone should be grandfathered into the status they already have. Personally, I think that number of nights cruised probably is a more accurate gauge. Under the current system, Diamond is reached with 10 completed cruise credits. It is possible to get 3 cruise credits on a single cruise if in a JS or above, cruising (I believe 12 nights or longer).

"Taking 3, 5 day cruises in a Junior Suite will do the trick" I think is not accurate. That would receive 2 credits per cruise= 6 credits.

 

This is a very successful marketing and loyalty program.

However, airlines have adjusted their miles needed for rewards, and I think RCL is likely to adjust their program requirements to keep up with the changing times. They need to figure how to do this with as few negatives as possible.

I think a way to achieve this is to add some choice in the benefit tiers from a menu of options, depending on what the cruiser wants to select, and then using nights cruised as the new standard measurement. This of course is not perfect either, because it doesn't take into account the category booked. Perhaps a bonus credit or added benefit for suite bookings could work.

This would allow RCL to change the requirements for the future, and also change the benefits.

If they change, what will be the new magic number?

 

Anyone care to post the Princess requirements?

[Tranquil Waters]

I think they probably meant 5 3-day cruises on a JS for diamond status.....

[Maureenie Beanie]

Just returned from the EOS today and they did have the casino and the photo coupons. They are still there at the Diamond/D+ level.

[booze brothers]

We were on a recent Liberty sailing and the diamond lounge was very crowded on most evenings.

 

On the Freedom class ships the concierge lounge is only for suite guests so there is usually a manageable number of guests using that lounge. In the diamond lounge the degree of crowding just depends on the number of D/D+ members on that particular sailing.

 

It is not unusual to have several hundred D/D+ members onboard and we can't help but wonder how long the perks are going to last. While we have not heard anything concrete there are certainly rumors of upcoming changes.

 

The Crown & Anchor Society is not really a society. It is an incredibly successful marketing tool. Several years ago, many passengers felt discouraged because they thought the road to platinum or diamond status was far too long.

 

RCCL altered the program, creating a fast track to advance thru the C & A status levels. In fact, the track is so fast that a person with 15 days at sea can become a diamond member. Taking five three-day cruise in a junior suite will do the trick.

 

Now with the ever increasing numbers of diamond members the perks, as we know them, are probably about to be derailed.

 

 

Lolla, I don't remember the diamond being any different. Are you saying the amount of cruises was much higher in the past(to become diamond?) If so, how many cruises did you have to have to become diamond?

 

Mimi

[Don Pedro]

My original post (#85) said five three-day cruises in a junior suite would do the trick. This would indeed yield 10 cruise credits and make someone a diamond member with a total of 15 days at sea.

[Don Pedro]

Lolla, I don't remember the diamond being any different. Are you saying the amount of cruises was much higher in the past(to become diamond?) If so, how many cruises did you have to have to become diamond?

 

Mimi

 

No, you are correct that the number of points to become diamond member has not changed. But, once upon a time you did not get two credits for staying in a junior suite or for the longer cruises. I think that the change was made in 2004. We don't honestly remember how the three day mini-cruises were counted before that time.

[pumkinsmom]

Just returned from the EOS today and they did have the casino and the photo coupons. They are still there at the Diamond/D+ level.

 

Same here a few weeks ago on AOS. We each had a free photo coupon and had 3 pulls each on the slot machine. Still only got a key chain.

[Don Pedro]

Same here a few weeks ago on AOS. We each had a free photo coupon and had 3 pulls each on the slot machine. Still only got a key chain.

 

We used to get 3 two dollar coupons in each book which you could turn-in for cash. Sorry to report, but in September, on the Liberty we had version 12 of the coupon books and the photo coupons are gone. The ship you were on is probably still using up its old books.

[Lynnees]

Is the free drink with glass still in the coupon book? That, and the picture were the only ones I used. They still did well by me for the pictures. Even with the two free pic (one each) I would still buy more. Usually 2 - 4 more. I guess I'm either not going to buy any or just one this time.

 

In April we did have the free drink and pic coupons.

[cruisenfever]

Is the free drink with glass still in the coupon book? That, and the picture were the only ones I used. They still did well by me for the pictures. Even with the two free pic (one each) I would still buy more. Usually 2 - 4 more. I guess I'm either not going to buy any or just one this time.

 

In April we did have the free drink and pic coupons.

Marilyn, on our recent Radiance cruise to Hawaii they did have the free drink with glass in the coupon book along with the free photo.

[Don Pedro]

Is the free drink with glass still in the coupon book? That, and the picture were the only ones I used. They still did well by me for the pictures. Even with the two free pic (one each) I would still buy more. Usually 2 - 4 more. I guess I'm either not going to buy any or just one this time.

 

In April we did have the free drink and pic coupons.

 

The free drink was still there.

[Lynnees]

Thank you all. :D

 

Oh thank god for small favours. :D I like the glasses as well as foo foo drinks. I have a cupboard full of glasses. I don't know why. When I'm cleaning my kitchen I get to look at them and wish I was on a ship. :D :D

[pumkinsmom]

We used to get 3 two dollar coupons in each book which you could turn-in for cash. Sorry to report, but in September, on the Liberty we had version 12 of the coupon books and the photo coupons are gone. The ship you were on is probably still using up its old books.

 

Looking at our book as I type Diamond/ Diamond + Version 12. 01/08 Maybe some got printed without the photo coupon, or maybe updated in a different month later in yr?? We certainly had free photo in each book. Last years book from Serenade in Jan 08 was Version 10 1/07. that one had the $2 casino coupons vs. the now free slot pulls. Free drink in the glass still there as was everything else. Only change I saw was slot pulls.

[Merion_Mom]

Yes, the free drink in the souvenir glass coupon is still there.

 

On the Monarch last week, when I used it at the Pool Bar, I asked for a REALLY big Jack Daniels on the rocks.

 

Instead of the souvenir glass, I got a REALLY big Jack Daniels on the rocks.

 

Made me very very happy.

 

Thank you, Vijay.

 

:D

[CruiseKeeper]

Looking at our book as I type Diamond/ Diamond + Version 12. 01/08 Maybe some got printed without the photo coupon, or maybe updated in a different month later in yr?? We certainly had free photo in each book. Last years book from Serenade in Jan 08 was Version 10 1/07. that one had the $2 casino coupons vs. the now free slot pulls. Free drink in the glass still there as was everything else. Only change I saw was slot pulls.

 

 

Just did a b2b 9/20 - 9/27 Liberty cruise. First week, free photo coupon. Second week, no free photo coupon. I observed the concierge raiding his stash of Diamond/+ books for the free coupons for someone that complained.

[negc]

Is the free drink with glass still in the coupon book? That, and the picture were the only ones I used. They still did well by me for the pictures. Even with the two free pic (one each) I would still buy more. Usually 2 - 4 more. I guess I'm either not going to buy any or just one this time.

 

In April we did have the free drink and pic coupons.

 

Both coupons were still in the books when we crossed the Atlantic in September on the Jewel of the Seas, as were the coupons for free dollars in the casino. However, I did notice that at some time during the cruise, the "free slot pull" machine had made its appearance and am fearful that when we board next week, we will get the "free slot pull" coupon instead. How many casino key rings can any one person use?:rolleyes:

[CruiseKeeper]

Both coupons were still in the books when we crossed the Atlantic in September on the Jewel of the Seas, as were the coupons for free dollars in the casino. However, I did notice that at some time during the cruise, the "free slot pull" machine had made its appearance and am fearful that when we board next week, we will get the "free slot pull" coupon instead. How many casino key rings can any one person use?:rolleyes:

 

With the ring, they make nice Christmas tree ornaments....:rolleyes: :) :D

[suzyluvs2cruise]

Both coupons were still in the books when we crossed the Atlantic in September on the Jewel of the Seas, as were the coupons for free dollars in the casino. However, I did notice that at some time during the cruise, the "free slot pull" machine had made its appearance and am fearful that when we board next week, we will get the "free slot pull" coupon instead. How many casino key rings can any one person use?:rolleyes:

 

Hi Bill - we were on the TA with you and the Baltics cruise before. Each cruise had a different coupon book. On the Baltics cruise we had the "slot pull" coupon and on the TA we had the "free dollars" coupon. Both Diamond coupon books had free photo and free drink coupons. :)

 

If you get a chance could you please say hello to Mr. G. from Sue and Jim #1. He was our fantastic Head Waiter in My Time dining. Also Gia, in the Hollywood Odyssey. What a great crew the Jewel has. Wish we were sailing on her again soon. :(

[Merion_Mom]

How many casino key rings can any one person use?:rolleyes:

 

Don't worry, Bill. You may not get stuck with that many casino key rings. I usually don't even win THAT. :(

[PH8]

Both coupons were still in the books when we crossed the Atlantic in September on the Jewel of the Seas, as were the coupons for free dollars in the casino. However, I did notice that at some time during the cruise, the "free slot pull" machine had made its appearance and am fearful that when we board next week, we will get the "free slot pull" coupon instead. How many casino key rings can any one person use?:rolleyes:

I won 3 of them.......... I had 3 pulls...............each pull I got a ticket worth 3 points...........so i figured I had 9 points(and would at least get the t-shirt)............NOPE,cant combine tickets...........whatta rip.......had to take the 3 key rings which were worth 3 points each........

[catnt2]

For example, we are traveling this next weekend with family and there are 15 of us. We, my husband and I are Diamond plus and 3 others are Diamond. Should the other 10 be allowed in the lounge because we are family and all traveling together? Of course not. So, what would make your family more important than mine?

 

I hope not!! I heard that there is over 300 Diamond/D+ members on the Mariner. I have Clients doing B2B and said that they are opening the Dragon's Lair for the overflow!!

 

Now that would be cool!! :)

[Tucker in Texas]

Like the OP, I have 9 credits with two more coming on our upcoming trans-Atlantic. Wish they would "bump" me up after a week (lol).

 

On our last two trans-Atlantic cruises we formed a group of five of us for trivia. Two couples and a widower who is Diamond. He has to pay for two people when he cruises. He "escorted" me into the Diamond lounge a few times in the evening. The second time we went, they asked to see our Seapass cards. He showed his but I said I didn't have mine with me (and didn't) and she looked his name up on the manifest. I don't know if they felt sorry for the "lonely" widower or thought he had "gotten lucky" but, after that, they never questioned us again. I'd feel guilty but he doesn't drink, pays for two people, and really wanted company as he is not very outgoing.

 

I've heard the rumors, too, about going to days on the ship rather than cruises taken for status. I know several people that have done 3/4 day back to back to get two credits when they would have rather done one 7 days to avoid embarkation/disembarkation and unpacking and packing. I even considered it when I got to nine credits so I could be "legal" on the trans-Atlantic next month.

 

Tucker in Texas

[skandls]

Yes, the free drink in the souvenir glass coupon is still there.

 

On the Monarch last week, when I used it at the Pool Bar, I asked for a REALLY big Jack Daniels on the rocks.

 

Instead of the souvenir glass, I got a REALLY big Jack Daniels on the rocks.

 

Made me very very happy.

 

Thank you, Vijay.

 

:D

 

We never read the coupons very closely. DH would love a Jack and Coke for free or on the rocks and buy his own coke - foofoo glass or not. But Oh No unless something really gets us to book a last minute cruise (the Dm stock market) - we are not scheduled until Apr 09 on the Mariner. I hope this is still available then.

 

Do you think I could order a Ketel One Martini for free? Its a big glass for a martini but for free I would make do.