Crown & Anchor Program Revisions - join the merged discussions here

[tinkerme1]

What is the definition of new?? I printed mine out on 3/24/09 and it does not have any mention of my Crown & Anchor level on it.

 

Mine block does not have this information. It does have my name, reservation number, ship name, sail date, sail time, boarding time, port of departure, deck number and stateroom number. It doesn't have my C & A level. I started my set sail pass several months ago before final payment, I wonder if this makes a difference. It does say on it "Check in, Diamond Plus, Diamond and Platinum, follow the "Diamond Plus, Diamond adn Platinum Check-in signs."

 

You may wish to go back and reprint and see if it changes. If not, maybe the C&A designation is just for D+? Not really sure. They have, in fact, changed the SetSail Pass, so it is good to go online and check yours!

 

Now, back to the regularly scheduled program......

[dutchess43]

You may wish to go back and reprint and see if it changes. If not, maybe the C&A designation is just for D+? Not really sure. They have, in fact, changed the SetSail Pass, so it is good to go online and check yours!

 

Now, back to the regularly scheduled program......

 

Reprinted mine & it shows Diamond status, mine changed also.

[tinkerme1]

Reprinted mine & it shows Diamond status, mine changed also.

 

From your signature, it shows that you will be leaving for a cruise soon. Enjoy!:D

[lady of the seas]

I can't find my status on my SetSail pass anywhere. Wonder if it is because I am only Diamond. ;)

 

 

I just looked at our set sail pass and it doesn't indicate status....when you pick up your sea pass card at dock registration it will be on that.

[Buccaneergirl]

Thanks for clearing that up.:)

 

In any event, those who have not yet experienced the advertised Concierge Lounge 'benefit' previously/about to be removed from the C&A Diamond level, it might be helpful to point out that the happy hour is not the 'only' issue. It is an issue no doubt, because it was among other things not a 'house' brands or 'welcome back party' selection. It was a 'top shelf' happy hour. But, the 'benefit' started with the coffee machine in the morning which made capachinos, lattes, espresso, etc. There was a nice breakfast setup ... and ta da ... a toaster. This was probably the only place on the ship where you could get 'hot', 'fresh', toast, bagels, and english muffins. Imagine putting butter on one of these and having it melt ... on a cruise ship!:rolleyes: I never saw a 'crowd' at breakfast. The Concierge service for reservations, shore excursions, luggage tags ... any thing you would normally stand in line for at guest relations. And all of the Concierge staff that I talked with worked at guest relations first. So they new the game better than most of the staff who worked guest relations. There were several computers with internet access. It was a nice quiet place to read and drink coffee during the day ... and never a crowd during the day ... with comfortable chairs that do not exist in any 'public' area of the ship that I know about. It was a place where you could interact with your fellow passengers ... most of the public areas do not afford the type of setting that actually promotes meeting and talking with your fellow passengers. You also tend to see and talk with the same people on multiple occassions. So instead of only a 'sea' of people in a cast of thousands, you can actually build friendships. So folks, those who think it is (just) about a 'few drinks' are missing the big picture. The 'drinks' are just a little piece of the lower right hand corner of the big picture.;) And that is why some of us are really :mad:. We 'earned' this benefit by doing what RCCL said we had to do ... and we did it. The benefit is still there, it is just now being given to a different group. That would be 'bait and switch'. That is not an honest way to do business, and it reflects a total lack of corporate integrity.:cool:

 

I agree with everything that you said! There are a few people that we have met in the CL that I still keep in touch with and plan on visiting them in the future. We never would have had the pleasure of their company every night in the CL and gotten to know them so well if we had not had this diamond privelage. I'm going to miss all the socializing!:D

[dutchess43]

Tinkerme1 thx for the good wishes.

[WMCMRBILL]

Here's a copy of me E-mail to RCCL,

 

Dear Royal Caribbean Crown & Anchor Society Benefit Decision Making Executives,

I am compelled to respond to your Crown & Anchor Society Benefit changes effective July 1, 2009. Thank you for your Slap in the Face.

After many years and many cruises with RC, I have finally reached Diamond level with the completion of my last cruise. Now at age 65, retired and anticipating future cruises with greater benefits, bam, you changed the rules of the game. This Loyalty benefit of the Crown & Anchor Society, to partake in the services and amenities of the Concierge Club, is now only for the Diamond Plus level members. We lowly Diamond level member are left as loyal dogs peering through the butcher shop window.

Now for that privilege I must: a) complete 15 more cruises with RC, or b) reserve a Grand Suite or above. Assuming I take one cruise a year for the next 15 years, at age 80, in the year 2024, you might allow me in the Club. Providing RC doesn't change the rules or the good Lord doesn't call me to his own The Nation Of Why Not first.

I know I shouldn't complain. You have provided an opportunity for us lowly Diamonds (as well as even first time RC guests) to pass though those ever allusive Concierge Club doors. All we have to do is book passage in a Grand Suite or larger. This seems to me as if RC is asking me to buy the privilege that I have already earned with my years of loyalty and that has now been flippantly taken away.

I do realize that you have provided me with my very own "Diamond Lounge" on your Freedom Class ships, as well as the newest and biggest Oasis and Allure of the Seas. Thanks, but just maybe some or many of us lowly Diamonds may not want to be on a ship with 3000+ to 5000+ guests. Also, a "lounge" just doesn't sound as privileged as a "Club". Can those big, big ships even go where I might want to go?

However, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate RC on its success. I can tell you are successful by the explanation expressed on your website. Specifically, those explaining the changes for the accessibility to the Concierge Club. They being: "Due to limited capacity", "growing membership", and "is challenging our ability to provide the optimum experience for our guests"; great copy. If true, this only confirms to me how many loyal Diamond members you must have, and most likely will now be so disappointed with the downgrading of their benefits.

It also appears that RC's solution to the "challenge" was not to providing larger accommodating facilities, but rather to thin out a portion of their loyal Diamond members by raising the access requirements. However, at the same time keeping the doors open, to those now excluded lowly Diamonds, and also new guests, by providing complimentary Concierge Club services for the new "Enhanced Program for Suite Guests". And you don't even include the Junior Suite, wow! We can surmise the motivating factor in this decision. I'll wager with your current ability to accumulate and evaluate guest information, you know exactly when a loyal member will return diminishing revenues verses benefits granted and therefore be unconscionably compelled to provide more revenue or be thrown overboard.

Finally, though, I do wish to thank you for the enhanced benefits such as the New Ultimate Value Booklet, which yet remains to be seen as a value (better to be labeled as a discount booklet), (a free cocktail rather than just a beer would be nice); the upgraded wine tasting event,("at a special price"?) and of course the "New Special Event" for Diamond level and above members. On past cruises there were two special events. One a Welcome Back event for all Crown & Anchor Society members (Gold and above) and a second for Platinum and above Society members. Will there still be two, with the Platinum members attending only the Welcome Back event? Seems to be a logical step considering your other decisions. Why should only the lowly Diamonds suffer?

Well, should I join the "Nation of Why Not" again and attend the Special Event for Diamonds, I hope I don't make friends with a Diamond Plus members and have to decline an invitation to meet in the Concierge Club before Dinner. How embarrassing and demeaning would that be?

In closing, I would just like to wish you success in filling all those suites and of course in trying to keep all your lowly Diamond Society members, who are probably as disappointed as I am. Thank you for showing us just how much to really care. A very disappointed...........

p.s. I have waited three days before sending this E-mail. I wanted to be sure I wasn't being to quick to judge. However, in the mean time I've been reading postings on several web sites concerning your benefit changes. Indeed in appears that I'm not alone in my disappointment. If you are not going to reverse this decision, possible you should review the comments being posted. You may even find some very interesting alternate solutions. I sincerely hope you don't lose all those "loyal" members. Don't forget, even Coca Cola knew when to throw in the towel over their "New Coke" idea.

[Ocean Boy]

But that's their job!! If they don't like it, they should go and work on a cargo ship!!

 

Anyway, in the good ol' days, the senior officers had a table in the Dining Room EVERY night!! Fun it was too!!!

 

I suppose socializing could be part of their jobs. As far as the dining room goes, I wonder if it was more fun for the officers or the guests. I see a quite a few officers in the windjammer at night sitting at tables together. They seem to have a fine time eating with their friends and collegues.

[lady of the seas]

This is the email in its entirety - I cut and pasted it:

 

 

With 20 ships currently in service around the globe and two magnificent ships under construction, Royal Caribbean International® has always regarded the optimum enjoyment of all our guests worldwide as a top priority. We consistently review valuable guest feedback to ensure that we are able to continuously improve our services while keeping the base price of a Royal Caribbean International cruise essentially the same for nearly a decade. In that process, we constantly measure and evaluate the satisfaction of our guests.

 

To enhance the onboard experience, Royal Caribbean International has recently initiated a variety of programs including:

 

* MyTime DiningSM, which allows guests more flexibility to dine according to their own schedule, and My Family Time DiningSM, which provides young children an expedited 40 minute dinner experience and an escorted return to the Adventure Ocean youth programming facility so that parents can continue to enjoy dinner at a leisurely pace.

* Pre-cruise booking of shore excursions and beverage packages and advance reservations for specialty restaurants.

* Upgraded suite services and amenities including preferred seating and reservations, exclusive in-stateroom culinary treats, concierge lounge access, upgraded furniture and more.

* An enhanced departure process which provides a quicker and more seamless experience for guests at the conclusion of the cruise, while extending access to their staterooms on the morning of departure.

* New programming for kids and families, such as Crayola® Beginnings art, Sitters at Sea, Babies 2 Go!, Fisher Price® toy lending, Stroll & Roll, and more.

* Pool-side towel service which eliminates the need for a guest to remember to bring towels from their stateroom.

 

Starting July 1st there will be some changes to our Crown & Anchor® Society benefits based on member feedback and our recent enhancements. Crown & Anchor® Society members will continue to receive their most valued benefits such as discounts on cruises, savings certificates and priority embarkation and debarkation. Our Platinum and Diamond members also will continue to receive discounts on suite category staterooms including the recently introduced upgraded services and amenities for suite guests.

 

Keeping your feedback and cruise experience in mind, some of the changes that will occur include:

 

* A new Ultimate Value Booklet with coupons for various onboard amenities.

* An upgraded wine tasting event at a special price.

* A new special event, hosted by our ship officers, for Diamond and above members to meet and mingle with other fellow members, and featuring complimentary wine, champagne and hors d'oeuvres.

 

Due to limited capacity, the Concierge Lounge has not been able to accommodate our growing membership, challenging our ability to provide the optimum experience for our guests. Therefore the Concierge Lounge will now be accessible to our suite and Diamond Plus guests only. Diamond Members cruising on Freedom class, Oasis of the SeasSM, and Allure of the SeasSM will continue to be able to experience exclusive access to a dedicated Diamond Lounge on these ships, which feature a complimentary 'happy hour' from 5:00-8:30pm daily.

 

The chart below outlines the new Crown & Anchor Society benefits, starting July 1st. You may also visit the Crown & Anchor benefits section of our website to view the updated list of benefits.

 

Thank you for your ongoing loyalty to Royal Caribbean International. We hope to see you onboard very soon.

 

As you can see -- the CL is only available to DIAMOND members on FREEDOM CLASS, OASIS and ALLURE - which means NO LONGER available on Radiance class (4 ships), Voyager class (5 ships), & the Enchantment.

 

 

 

 

In my opinion "my time dining" is one reason among many that we don't sail on Norwegian. why even bother having any scheduled dining times or will that be the next to go. We prefer late seating and have been very disappointed that on our last several cruises we sat at a table for 6 or 8 with only ourselves and the couple we came with. Now that they've instituted this new dining we will be asking for a small table for two or 4.

 

 

" Pool-side towel service which eliminates the need for a guest to remember to bring towels from their stateroom.

 

WE HAVE HAD THIS ON ALL OUR CRUISES, THIS IS A BENEFIT???????:rolleyes:

 

"A new Ultimate Value Booklet with coupons for various onboard amenities.

 

WHAT THEY MEAN IS A NEW BOOKLET THAT ELIMINATES SOME VALUABLE COUPONS....GOODIE GOODIE;)

 

* An upgraded wine tasting event at a special price.

 

GREAT, NOW WE CAN PAY FOR WINES THAT WE MIGHT NOT WANT TO SPIT OUT. FRANKLY THEIR WINE OFFERINGS ARE PRETTY PATHETIC:p TO US CALIFORNIA WINE DRINKERS, TOO BAD THEY DON'T STRIVE TO UPGRADE THEIR OFFERINGS.

 

* A new special event, hosted by our ship officers, for Diamond and above members to meet and mingle with other fellow members, and featuring complimentary wine, champagne and hors d'oeuvres.

 

GEE ONE EVENT, HOW GENEROUS AND THEY WILL EVEN GIVE US FREE CHEAP WINE AND CHAMPAGNE, CAN HARDLY WAIT, NO WAIT, I THINK I'LL PASS.:(

 

"Diamond Members cruising on Freedom class, Oasis of the SeasSM, and Allure of the SeasSM will continue to be able to experience exclusive access to a dedicated Diamond Lounge on these ships, which feature a complimentary 'happy hour' from 5:00-8:30pm daily".

 

FOR THOSE WHO DIDN'T READ CAREFULLY, IT SAYS A DEDICATED DIAMOND LOUNGE ON THE FOLLOWING SHIPS ONLY. "Freedom class, Oasis of the SeasSM, and Allure of the SeasSM" SO THERE YOU HAVE IT, SAIL ON OUR GIGANTIC SHIPS OR TOUGH YOU LOSE YOUR BENEFIT.:mad:

[Ocean Boy]

There wasn't a free drink coupon in the Platinum C&A booklet on Voyager last month. Not even a buy one/get one free like there used to be in the Gold booklet.

 

We did have a free drink coupon in our platinum books two weeks ago on Adventure. However, it was only good for a beer, a glass of wine, a soda, or bottled water. When trying to get a mixed drink I was told by the bartender that they are no longer aloud to take the coupon for that because the liquor in the drink was too expensive. He said that the bartenders find it hard to say no to the customers. That does seem a bit cheap on RCI's part.

 

The gold two for one coupon is actually a better value in my opinion as you can (could) get any type of a drink with it.

[coxswain]

Nice one.

 

 

 

 

 

jj.....

[jbond]

I just looked at our set sail pass and it doesn't indicate status....when you pick up your sea pass card at dock registration it will be on that.

You have to have the new pass. It was introduced sometime early March. It consists of two pages. This is page one. The status is in the first three red circles.

 

[dutchess43]

We did have a free drink coupon in our platinum books two weeks ago on Adventure. However, it was only good for a beer, a glass of wine, a soda, or bottled water. When trying to get a mixed drink I was told by the bartender that they are no longer aloud to take the coupon for that because the liquor in the drink was too expensive. He said that the bartenders find it hard to say no to the customers. That does seem a bit cheap on RCI's part.

 

The gold two for one coupon is actually a better value in my opinion as you can (could) get any type of a drink with it.

 

Did you have a JR coupon in your platinum booklet?

[ziggypup]

Unfortunately..............It went directly into the trashola, do not pass go.

[dougp26364]

I sent a similar E-mail. This is the responce I received.

 

Crown & Anchor Society # xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

 

RE: Concierge Lounge

 

Dear Xxxxx:

 

Thank you for your e-mail regarding your benefits. We apologize for any delay

in our response. You are a valued Diamond member. We recognize that you are

not pleased by our recent communication regarding benefits changes effective

July 1, 2009 as it relates to eligibility for access to the Concierge lounges

throughout the fleet. We made this decision because too often crowding in the

lounges prevents us from fulfilling our original purpose of providing suite

guests with a private, exclusive amenity. It has not been an easy decision to

make but we believe it is necessary to offer this service at an appropriate

level.

 

Royal Caribbean will continue to recognize the value of Diamond level members in

a variety of ways. Diamond members cruising on Freedom and Oasis class ships

will continue to experience exclusive access to a dedicated Diamond lounge on

these ships, which feature complimentary Happy Hour from 5 - 8:30 p.m. daily.

Ships that do not have a Diamond lounge will have a new special event hosted by

our ships' officers for Diamond members to meet and mingle with other members.

It will feature complimentary wine, champagne and hors d'oeuvres.

 

In addition, Royal Caribbean remains committed to maintaining a world class

standard in our product delivery. Our fleet is performing at a very high level

in 2009 and we hope you will come back to us soon and experience our Gold Anchor

Service and amazing innovations. While we are exceptionally excited to

introduce Oasis of the Seas later this year and her sister Allure of the Seas in

2010, we would be very happy to have you onboard any of our 22 ships in the near

future.

 

We appreciate you taking the time to provide us with your valuable feedback, and

assure you it will be properly documented and utilized for future

decision-making purposes.

 

Xxxxx, we look forward to welcoming you onboard again soon.

 

Sincerely,

 

Kristen Loffland

Crown & Anchor Society

 

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS? COMMENTS?

 

Call: 1-800-526-9723, 8 AM to 11 PM EST, Monday-Friday, 9 AM to 8 PM EST

Saturday-Sunday

(Outside the United States or Canada: +1-316-554-5951)

Visit our Web site: http://www.royalcaribbean.com

E-mail us: crownandanchor@rccl.com

Write us: Crown & Anchor Society

P.O. Box 026053

Miami, FL 33102-6053

 

*** Be sure to keep your Crown & Anchor Membership Number handy and always

provide it every time you book a Royal Caribbean cruise vacation to get all the

benefits to which you are entitled. ***

 

 

[THREAD ID:1-9V6ZUE]

 

They must have missed the part where I told them we had two future cruises booked with them or, this is a canned responce with our name tossed in at a couple of place to make it appear personalized.

 

I understand the limited capacity of the CL. I also understand that they would open up overflow area's in some of the other lounges to accomadate those crowds. So the limited space arguement is lost on me. It looks more like a cost cutting move to me.

 

I look at it this way. I wouldn't expect a fireplace to put out heat if I didn't toss some wood to burn into it first. With RCI, I've tossed 10 sticks of wood into them (the required number of cruise credits to reach Diamone status) expecting a return of some heat. Looks like all that's happened is we've been burned.

 

I've said this before but, I'm not going to have the knee jerk responce of saying I'll never book with RCI again. I did look at other options for our Med cruise but, there was no savings to be had by changing lines at this point so, why cut our nose off to spite our face. I'm also holding on to our Oasis cruise since that cruise is all about the ship and not the ports.

 

However, all of the ships with the Diamond lounges are in the Caribbean. We're not huge Caribbean fans prefering to sail Alaska and the Med. RCI has even diminished their offerings to Alaska this next year and, there are many options with other lines for Med cruises. In the past, we've really shopped ONLY Royal Caribbean for our cruising needs. Now we'll look more towards Carnival and Princess, lines that are sailed by other family members.

 

There had been sort of a mini-war between family members as to which cruise line was the best. Our ammunition was the Crown and Anchor benefits. Over the last year or so, RCI ahas taken away that ammunition. It's not that other cruise lines are better than RCI. It's that RCI is getting to the point where they aren't any better than any other cruise line. When I'm booking a cruise, that makes all the difference in the world.

[dutchess43]

I would like to know how many emails & letters they recived on the changes? This I feel is just the start the other shoe will drop when diamonds sailing 7/1 without knowledge of the changes are then made aware of decline in benefits.

[Ephraim]

Wow. Over 3500 posts... and no closure. What casino in Vegas is taking bets on how many posts before people get tired of this discussion with no end?

[Bobblsc]

After only three cruises with RCI, soon to be four, I probably don't have the right to respond, but I have been reading this thread now for several days, and I do understand why so many are unhappy with these changes. At first I wasn't interested because even though we enjoyed the little coupons and things we received, we never really thought about the fact that we were moving up the ladder with C&A and would eventually receive more "perks". We were hooked from that first sailaway and knew that we would continue to cruise because it was so much fun to visit all those lovely places and only had to unpack once. We always book a balcony cabin because we live in the Arizona desert and don't have an ocean (yet).

That said, it was very disappointing to learn that such a wonderful company would actually take away benefits from their loyal customers, many of whom have been so generous with their advice and made our cruising experiences even better. As small business owners ourselves, it would never occur to us to take away the benefits we offer to our loyal customers. (emphases added) We may not be able to add many new freebies, considering the current economy, but take them away? Never!

If we are fortunate enough to be able to continue cruising and someday make it to D+, we probably would not use the CL as it really isn't our cup of tea, but it's obvious that many, many cruisers do look forward to it, and I am sad for those who will have to miss it.

Will we continued to cruise RCI? Absolutely! However, we have no interest in the "big" ships with ice skating (again, desert dwellers) and rock climbing (too old), but we do love the Serenade as it meets our needs beautifully, with all that glass where you can see the ocean from almost anywhere, so why would we change? Cruising is still the most economical way to have a grand vacation.

Moving up the C&A ladder isn't really that important to us, but the fact remains that these changes were a really bad idea. So sorry to all of you who are affected, but many thanks to those who have helped us "learn the ropes".

 

I think this is a great post. I also believe that several on this thread would agree and conclude that you are much wiser than some in Royal Caribbean management. Thank you for posting.

 

Bob :cool:

[dougp26364]

I would like to know how many emails & letters they recived on the changes? This I feel is just the start the other shoe will drop when diamonds sailing 7/1 without knowledge of the changes are then made aware of decline in benefits.

 

You mean when Diamonds try to access the CL only to find they're denied? Yea, that out to be a LOT of fun for RCI employee's on those ships and it could drag out for a couple of years. I've seen some not to polite exchanges with cruisers ticked off at RCI for whatever reason. I bet this will increase after 7/1/09.

 

Maybe that's part of the "enhancements" to the C&A program? Free entertainment at the customer service desk. Grab a beer, a bag of popcorn and a comfortable seat and watch the fireworks begin!

[Twice_a_year]

Let us not dwell on what was but rather what will be.

Cruising was and still is the best value in vacation dollars. So RCI has reneged on their implied contract with those who spent their dollars and possible cruise credits with other lines to achieve the convenient “DIAMOND” status, let us look mat why RCI did what they did. If anyone has noticed, your future cruises show a significant decrease. (My next cruise is $1,000 less than I was originally quoted - well something had to go.

Anyone who has sailed over the years has seen a change in RCI, first the midnight buffets (Good idea), then the onboard purchase of duty free alcohol (with a corkage fee), addition of “specialty “ restaurants, then the premium price for selected items in the main dining room, the elimination of those “special “ parties for Platinum and better guest, and, now, the elimination of “earned” benefits such as CL service for Diamond members.

I truly hope (as a RCI stock holder) you made the right choice here. Personal, I think NOT, As for myself. I will have to explore alternative venues to enjoy my leisure time. For example, I just priced out a European cruise on Regent as an alternative to the Brilliance. .( ONLY $100’s difference if I want CL service) Bye- bye RCI!!!

[dutchess43]

You mean when Diamonds try to access the CL only to find they're denied? Yea, that out to be a LOT of fun for RCI employee's on those ships and it could drag out for a couple of years. I've seen some not to polite exchanges with cruisers ticked off at RCI for whatever reason. I bet this will increase after 7/1/09.

 

Maybe that's part of the "enhancements" to the C&A program? Free entertainment at the customer service desk. Grab a beer, a bag of popcorn and a comfortable seat and watch the fireworks begin!

 

Can you imagine the line at guest services? Mutiny on the Bounty will be calm compared to this action.

[CruiseKeeper]

We did have a free drink coupon in our platinum books two weeks ago on Adventure. However, it was only good for a beer, a glass of wine, a soda, or bottled water. When trying to get a mixed drink I was told by the bartender that they are no longer aloud to take the coupon for that because the liquor in the drink was too expensive. He said that the bartenders find it hard to say no to the customers. That does seem a bit cheap on RCI's part.

 

The gold two for one coupon is actually a better value in my opinion as you can (could) get any type of a drink with it.

 

 

When attempting to use the free drink coupon (diamond coupon book) on the Liberty in September on our b2b, on the first week the bartender in the pub in the promenade used the coupon for a free draft beer for my DH. On the second week, another bartender in the same pub refused to use it on a draft beer as the coupon said mixed drink or a glass of wine. We then took the coupon to the Schooner and got a draft beer.:rolleyes:;) That's some pretty inconsistent training.

 

We were shocked as we weren't accustomed to being told no on a RCI ship. The usual is "it would be my pleasure."

[randa]

I had the previlege of using the Diamond Lounge of the Independence of the Seas in May 2008. One of the problems of overcrowding was that Diamond Members were bringing in guests, not only to view the Lounge but also to order drinks for them. This puts a lot of pressure on the staff. One solution is to ask all members to sign for drinks, not for payment, but "just to keep a record of usage". This will embarass most not to bring in guests, and not to order drink after drink themselves. And RCCL will also have a true record of consumption.

[dutchess43]

I had the previlege of using the Diamond Lounge of the Independence of the Seas in May 2008. One of the problems of overcrowding was that Diamond Members were bringing in guests, not only to view the Lounge but also to order drinks for them. This puts a lot of pressure on the staff. One solution is to ask all members to sign for drinks, not for payment, but "just to keep a record of usage". This will embarass most not to bring in guests, and not to order drink after drink themselves. And RCCL will also have a true record of consumption.

 

Why weren't they checking your card to get into the lounge & only allowing Diamong members in?

[aurelius180]

Can you imagine the line at guest services? Mutiny on the Bounty will be calm compared to this action.

 

 

Means less people hogging chairs on the pool deck! :D