If no Concierge Lounge, Then What About?

[rednancy1]

Thank goodness we are Diamond +.

 

I rue the day they will change things. :(

[madforcruising]

If "May" has reached "Elite" status with Celebrity he will have a "Diamond" status on his next RCI cruise. He must have completed at least one sailing on RCI before the Celebrity and RCI statuses are interchangeable. It's the same for a frequent RCI cruiser when he sails Celebrity. He must have one complete sailing before his "Diamond" status would make him an "Elite" on Celebrity. BTW the perks of being Diamond on RCI are a lot better than being Elite on Celebrity.

 

 

That´s not true.

I was Diamond with C&A and when I booked my first Celebrity cruise I emailed Captains Club and was immediately enrolled as an Elite member with them, but 0 cruise credits of course. I got all Elite perks on my very first Celebrity cruise.

[uksimonusa]

If "May" has reached "Elite" status with Celebrity he will have a "Diamond" status on his next RCI cruise. He must have completed at least one sailing on RCI before the Celebrity and RCI statuses are interchangeable. It's the same for a frequent RCI cruiser when he sails Celebrity. He must have one complete sailing before his "Diamond" status would make him an "Elite" on Celebrity. BTW the perks of being Diamond on RCI are a lot better than being Elite on Celebrity.

 

Not True

 

I am Diamond on RCI, earned the status, and Elite on X. Just called the captains club and asked to enroll as I was thinking of sailing on X. I was given a number and Internet access.

[Don Pedro]

You can check the websites to make sure what the rules are now or check with your travel agent. We were "Elete" on =X= and our TA gave RCCL that Captian's Club number before our cruise on the Jewel. Even though we had only been on one previous RCCL ship before that cruise, we entered the ship as a "Diamond". That was a few years back so things may have changed.

Depends on the ship and sometimes the port: Our trip on the Jewel started with a welcome letter and a seperate keycard card to the Diamond lounge. That key accessed a Private lounge with a great view, computers, snacks, continential breakfast, and a consierge. Free Drinks and goodies for an hour or so before dinner at a private bar. Some nice welcome parties, priority boarding and disembarking, and some decent coupons for on-board services ( although it doesn't have a Johny Rockets). Been a while, but if I remember right the Mariner has similar perks but the lounge is not as nice a location n the ship.

That cruise on the Jewel was on a last minute, reduced fare, inside cabin and I believe the perks were the same as for more expensive categories.. As I said that was a few years back so "your mileage may differ"...

 

We were just on the Jewel and think that a slight correction to your post is in order. There is no Diamond Lounge on the Jewel. Only the Freedom Class ships have a Diamond Lounge. We suspect you were referring to the Concierge Lounge.

 

As we understand it, the concept of the Concierge Lounge was initially intended as a perk for suite guests and then extended to diamond members. Now the number of diamond member has increased so dramatically that the CL's can rarely accomodate all of the eligible passengers.

 

Typically a portion of the Crown Viking Lounge is used as an overflow lounge and diamond members can use either lounge. So, RCCL has been trying to satisfy its growing legion of diamond members. However, the CL's are still usually too crowded which bring complaints from the high paying suite guest who, in many cases, thought they would have exclusive access to the CL.

 

From the rumors, we've heard RCCL may make that portion of the Crown Viking Lounge a permanent Diamond Lounge and designate the Concierge Lounge to the suite guests and perhaps D+ members. That would create a situation similar to the Freedom Classs ships.

 

On most ships the Concierge Lounges are on the same deck as the suites and are quite limited in size so this may not be a bad move.

 

We are D+ and share the anxiety of changes to the program. We don't know what will happen but we suspect that adjustments will be made to the pathway leading to D and D+ status and perhaps separate lounges as we already mentioned. Hopefully, any changes will be made with as little negative impact as possible.

[Janice M]

Even inside cabins? Most diamond go for suites or balcony cabins, I suppose, but we will remain inside.

 

Do we have to ask?

 

This will be our first diamond cruise. We don't drink and we don't want a balcony, so there won't be many perks to go with that new status.

 

We are diamond and have always had inside rooms and there were "goodies" delivered to our room. No beverages tho.

 

Jan

[petesweet]

I'm not sure where you come up with that statistic about most diamonds going for suites or balcony cabins.:confused: The percentage of diamond cruisers who book inside cabins is likely to be very much the same as those who have not reached that level. Overall more people probably book balcony cabins or suites than inside rooms because ships nowadays have more such rooms than they have insides. Also veteran cruisers may be more likely to willingly pay extra for some of the advantages of having a balcony or a suite. I know that I, if the choice came down to cruising in an inside stateroom or not sailing, I would opt for the inside room. However, if the choice was simply between an inside or outside room, I'd go for the outside room almost every time.:)

Regardless of your accommodations, however, your C&A status rather than your stateroom category will determine what, if any, special perks you receive

 

It wasn't a statistic. I said "I suppose" because of all the discussions on these boards about how important the balcony cabins seem to be to people. It just seemed as though we "inside people" were in the minority. People speak of wanting to reach platinum or diamond so they can get the discount.

[petesweet]

Been a diamond member for several years, cruise twice a year, and never had appetizers delivered to our room. Usually have an inside cabin.

 

No problem if we don't get them. It's not like we need the food.:) It's probably more meaningful to people with a balcony anyway since they are more likely to sit outside enjoying their balcony and eating or drinking. I know that inside, we don't particularly want to eat.

[kruz]

Been a diamond member for several years, cruise twice a year, and never had appetizers delivered to our room. Usually have an inside cabin.

 

 

Me either..unless you consider chocolate covered strawberries..

Rather carrots and celery

[ribarfly]

Yes changes are coming once again, the latest rumor we heard on the Explorer 11/30 is that if you do not cruise for a 1 year period they are going to down grade your D & D+ status back a level….hmm, that should get us all excited! The second rumor is that they are dropping the cruise credits for 3-day sailings; they claim this will cut the number of C&A members reaching D & D+ for a while and I agree. RCL is also considering not allowing household members your C&A status like they have done in the past. I think the better choice of earning cruise credits is to count number of days cruised; since you are paying a premium for a suite the extra credits for suite bookings should remain the same that seems to be the fairest for all.

IMO, as for the overcrowded CL there are 2 major issues, #1 is the lack of policy enforcement by RCL officers & crew not wanting to upset guests by asking to see their CL or sea pass card. The only ones that get upset are the ones trying to sneak in. #2 is the abuses of the privilege by guests with access who feel the need to be a show off and are ignorant greedy people by bring their friends in the lounge to drink for free when they know that it is against the rules. On our recent Explorer cruise 11/30 the CL was totally out of control, people were going into the overflow lounge unchecked that did not belong there due to the lack of staff officers at the door. I saw people waving to friends in the lounge and they came out and gave their card to their friends, I also saw people getting drinks in the lounge and bringing them out to their friends as well. This went on for 7-days until I personally had an issue with the Concierge about carding the guests in the lounge. We went in for a drink before dinner and there were absolutely no seats, keep in mind some guests set up camp at 4:30 and remain there until 8:30, I can only guess that there bar tab was $0.00 (Priceless!) I told DW lets go sit at Dizzies bar, Ricardo ran over to us and said we couldn’t leave with our drinks well after watching people leaving with drinks for 7-days and seeing people that I know didn’t belong in there I just lost it. I asked Ricardo to get more seats and I would gladly stay, he said he couldn’t do that, I asked him to check the CL status of the guests in the lounge and remove the ones that didn’t belong there so I could have a seat again he said he couldn’t do that, he said he did not want to upset the guests so I said well ok, I’m upset and I am not going to stand in the corner and I am leaving with my drink! After that incident an officer or BOUNCER as I called them was posted at the door for the rest of the cruise and guess what there was plenty of room for those who had access every night. (See all things Explorer thread) There are many easy solutions to the CL overcrowding problems, personally I think you should be allowed to have a free drink at any bar onboard, they can limit the number of drinks per day and exclude the top shelf liquor, most concierge guests would enjoy the perk that way.

[Yorkshire Voyagers]

On our recent Rhapsody cruise to the Barrier Reef, we were given a card to access a 'Private Cocktail Lounge'. This was an unexpected surprise as we knew there was no Concierge Lounge on that ship. Someone was on the door every night checking cards and most nights a member of staff circulated to chat and make sure we were being taken care of. The Captain also came in and sat chatting to guests. We were made to feel really special for our continued loyalty to Royal Caribbean.

 

On our transatlantic crossing a week later, the number of people entitled to go into the Concierge Lounge was huge so Cleopatra's Needle was used for drinks. Lots of bar staff were there to take drinks orders but some nights it was chaotic. A staff member did ask to see your card but saw several people wandering out with drinks.

[byteofram]

We are cruising on the Mariner in January. It's our first time on the RC, we usually sail with Celebrity. What are the perks of the concierge lounge? We also booked a junior suite. What are the suite benefits besides the larger size?

 

I just got off the Mariner last week. JS does not qualify for the concierge lounge, you have to be in a Grand Suite or bigger. A JS only gets you more room and 2 cruise credits.

 

As far as the CL on the Mariner....it's on Deck 9, in the center of the ship. Very nice on the inside, but no windows or views. It was a little crowded, but we did see them escort some people out. Of course they tried to get drinks later in the week and by then the bartenders and the Concierge knew the regulars. The first night we had to stand, but we just wanted one quick drink anyways, so it wasn't a big deal. Every other night, we had a seat.

[BoyntonBeth]

On our recent Rhapsody cruise to the Barrier Reef, we were given a card to access a 'Private Cocktail Lounge'. This was an unexpected surprise as we knew there was no Concierge Lounge on that ship. Someone was on the door every night checking cards and most nights a member of staff circulated to chat and make sure we were being taken care of. The Captain also came in and sat chatting to guests. We were made to feel really special for our continued loyalty to Royal Caribbean.

 

On our transatlantic crossing a week later, the number of people entitled to go into the Concierge Lounge was huge so Cleopatra's Needle was used for drinks. Lots of bar staff were there to take drinks orders but some nights it was chaotic. A staff member did ask to see your card but saw several people wandering out with drinks.

 

I've been looking forward to 35 nights on RH in Feb/Mar, but this is great!!

 

Beth

[SPARKLE10]

Hi:

 

Just returned from the Independence of the Seas last Sunday and we have been Diamond members for quite awhile now. They had so many Diamond members that the cocktail hours were in the Labrythe Lounge on Deck 3 and the Diamond Lounge on Deck 14 was still available for the breakfast. They did check seapass cards, along with your white Diamond card when you came into the lounge and they had someone standing at the doorway to make sure you were Diamond members. I told them this was the first time we had ever been asked to show our seapass card along with the Diamond card and they said it was because the white Diamond card was being given to people who were not "Diamond members" so they had to start checking.....

 

Second time this year on the IOS....really love that ship; we had a great time.

 

Happy Cruising.....Sparkle 10 (Anita)

[negc]

On our recent Rhapsody cruise to the Barrier Reef, we were given a card to access a 'Private Cocktail Lounge'. This was an unexpected surprise as we knew there was no Concierge Lounge on that ship. Someone was on the door every night checking cards and most nights a member of staff circulated to chat and make sure we were being taken care of. The Captain also came in and sat chatting to guests. We were made to feel really special for our continued loyalty to Royal Caribbean.

That is interesting and welcome news especially if it continues to be the case on subsequent Rhapsody cruises. Would you let us know what lounge or public room was used for your Private Cocktail Lounge? :)

[tinybabynurse]

We were just on the Jewel and think that a slight correction to your post is in order. There is no Diamond Lounge on the Jewel. Only the Freedom Class ships have a Diamond Lounge. We suspect you were referring to the Concierge Lounge....

 

Oooops! you are right the card WAS for the CL where, at the time, they had a continential breakfast and also the computers. The drinks and snacks were in a separate lounge that was closed each the evening for a "private function" which was the free drink and goodie spot. Referencing some of the above posts, there was someone at that door with a list of names that checked our cards for the first couple of days. After that they recognized us so no check.

 

Been a while since the Jewel, so excuse the brain cramp. Thanks for setting the record straight. Otherwise I think what I posted was correct for the bemefits at the time of that cruise but may have change since then.

[crazy 4 cruising]

That is interesting and welcome news especially if it continues to be the case on subsequent Rhapsody cruises. Would you let us know what lounge or public room was used for your Private Cocktail Lounge? :)

 

I sure hope it continues, as we will be on her for 26 days in 2010. I keep hearing that RCCL will do CLs on all the remaining Vision class ships, but I am afraid that won't happen with all of the recent cuts.

[ALSEAU]

Not true, we became Elite on X as soon as we made our first reservation.

 

That´s not true.

I was Diamond with C&A and when I booked my first Celebrity cruise I emailed Captains Club and was immediately enrolled as an Elite member with them, but 0 cruise credits of course. I got all Elite perks on my very first Celebrity cruise.

 

Not True

 

I am Diamond on RCI, earned the status, and Elite on X. Just called the captains club and asked to enroll as I was thinking of sailing on X. I was given a number and Internet access.

 

 

I apologies for passing on bad information. I only know that we were Diamond members on RCI when we booked our first cruise with Celebrity. This was shortly after RCCL took over Celebrity and they were advertising that you would have equivalent status between cruise lines. However when we booked Celebrity they would not give it to us. They told me that I had to have a Captain's Club number and would not get one until after I completed a cruise. The representative from RCCL that I talked to at the time confirmed that that policy was correct and the same policy was in place for frequent Celebrity cruisers that want to sail RCCL. Apparently they received enough complaints about the policy that they have changed it.

[megr1125]

We are cruising on the Mariner in January. It's our first time on the RC, we usually sail with Celebrity. What are the perks of the concierge lounge? We also booked a junior suite. What are the suite benefits besides the larger size?

 

In a JS you do not get access to the CL unless you have D/D+ status in C&A. you will get 2 cruise credits and priority boarding, plus a tub, but that is about it.....

[May]

a JS you do not get access to the CL unless you have D/D+ status in C&A. you will get 2 cruise credits and priority boarding, plus a tub, but that is about it.....

We have the Diamond Status and we are booked in the Junior suite. So what perks can we expect in the concierge lounge?

[negc]

a JS you do not get access to the CL unless you have D/D+ status in C&A. you will get 2 cruise credits and priority boarding, plus a tub, but that is about it.....

We have the Diamond Status and we are booked in the Junior suite. So what perks can we expect in the concierge lounge?

You will get a card that gives you 24/7 access to the concierge lounge. In the morning there will be a continental breakfast available as well as juice, coffee and cappuccino. The concierge will be there at published hours to assist you in such ways as getting priority tender tickets when needed, helping you make reservations at one of the specialty restaurants, or tickets to the Ice Show on those ships that have one. The concierge can also help you with most problems that might arise during your time onboard. In the evening hours (usually from 5:30 to 8:30) cocktails and hors d'ouevres are available. If there are a large number of diamond and diamond plus members on board, the evening cocktail period may be held in a larger satellite lounge to accommodate guests more comfortably. Some concierge lounges have computer stations available for your use. You will still incur the regular online charges but it may be easier to access these stations than those situated in more public areas of the ship. All in all there are a number of perks to having access to the lounge as a diamond member. Some lounges are less spacious than others which is why access is restricted to those eligible for this perk.:)

[Yorkshire Voyagers]

negc/Bill

 

A small lounge above the Viking Crown Lounge was used for cocktails, with the same barman on each night.

[BoyntonBeth]

negc/Bill

 

A small lounge above the Viking Crown Lounge was used for cocktails, with the same barman on each night.

 

Yorkshire Voyagers,

 

I am sooooooooo excited about your report of the Private Cocktail Lounge. I am newly D+ and will be on RH in Feb/Mar for 35 nights and am now looking forward to the trip even more - thanks to your report.

 

I am, however, somewhat confused. What do you mean by "above" the VCL? According to the deck plan I have, there is nothing whatsoever above VCL. I know there are places on the ship which are not on the deck plan the public sees - the best example would be the crew quarters - but I can't figure out where this lounge is. Can you help me get rid of my confusion?

 

Thanks,

Beth