Letter to Diamond Members (Merged Threads)

[UCONN Women Rule]

Undeliverable how much energy is spent on bitching about this... Go to another cruise line if you feel the need, but i hope none you Negative Nancy's are on any ships I plan to take!

 

Jimmi

It appears to me that you've been on one RCCL cruise - talk when you've become loyal to Royal and have it taken away. You won't find me on any of your cruises unless you "only" cruise on RCCL.

[Puffinater]

Just what the boards need another thoughtless ramble. It's not Royal Caribbean that does not get it.

[beachbuddy]

And where will I find the expresso/cappuccino machine that is in the CL? I don't think they will have one in the separate lounge. I will also miss the tender tickets.

 

Oh, I'm a big coffee drinker myself! I actually think the best coffee on the Voyager Class ships is in the Promenade Cafe. Last month on the Explorer we both didn't like the coffee in the CL. We were going to the Promenade Cafe to fill our coffee mugs every morning.........LOL I'm not sure they would put an expresso/cappuccino machine with this new benefit but we can always hope that they do - I actually enjoyed a nice cup of cappuccino in the afternoon.

[tugboat]

Thanks for the address and yes I will use it. Also the wife and I have already decided to stay away for the year, it will the first year in 8 years that we are not on a RCCL cruise. Funny I announce I was going on vacation at work everyone ask what cruise was I going on and where. I had to tell them no cruise this year:(, we did a land base vacation this year, had a very good time.

 

This is all it's going to take skip your next cruise and let RCCL know what you did instead.

 

RCI didn't please the Diamond members with their second letter!

I just received Mr. Goldstein's email today regarding the updated changes for the Diamond Members. He must think we are all children and are trying to hand us a cream donut with no cream in it!!!! By giving us 25% off on drinks during a special cocktail hour and serving wine and cheese each day, you obviously don’t get it!

One of the most wonderful things about Royal Caribbean is that after you reach the status of becoming a Diamond Member you look forward to every cruise with them....the wonderful concierge service, you can have an espresso, cappuccino, coffee, watch t.v. in your own lounge, mingle with fellow diamond members because you have alot more in common with Diamond Members then you do with suite owners.

The Diamond Members have been around alot longer, know alot more, and appreciate the cruise line more than the cruisline obviously knows. And because of that this is what Royal Caribbean fails to understand.

We have been loyal, we have been the backbone, and at one time you did appreciate us by giving us concierge service, and of course, the cocktail hour from 5 to 8 every night of the cruise. Also, a lot of diamond members don't even drink, they shared sodas and talked about past cruises and new cruises. This is what you’re screwing around with. It has nothing to do with wine and cheese tasting and 25% off cocktails. It has to deal with good loyal people who have come back year after year. If these people were smart, they would do what I'm doing, by staying far away from a cruise line whose only thought is the bottom line.

If the diamond members would stay away even for one cruise, I think Royal Caribbean would then see the light and surely reverse itself from its petty ways that are going to be taken place in September 2009.

Why doesn't Royal Caribbean GET IT! It seems they don't even realize there are more competitive cruiselines and pricing out there then ever before!

Even though I feel these postings on CC are helpful, I think it would be more beneficial if we write directy to Mr. Goldstein with our remarks on how we feel. Below is the information where you can send your information to him and reach RCI.:cool:

Adam Goldstein (President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International)

Royal Caribbean International

1050 Caribbean Way

Miami, FL 33132-2096

800-398-9819

305-539-6000

[Nerina]

Mr. Chips: You've summed up my thoughts exactly, particularly your final comment that this well well planned all along.

Our other cruising "colleagues" on this board: Mr. Chips' remarks are calm, logical and not whining. It's his opinion (and mine as well). We did cancel one RCCL cruise and booked our very first Princess in its place next year based on the way changes were handled. We will never rule RCCL out, but thanks to their unwise moves here, we will explore other options. We may discover Princess is a great alternative; we'll see.

 

Ditto! :) Trying NCL in October to Canada - they had the itinerary we wanted. RCCL cancelled PEI & Quebec City. :( Timing is everything I guess, with all the changes and cut backs, NCL was available and for much less so we're going to make the move for now. :rolleyes:

 

Past Cruises:

2003 Serenade of the Seas – Canada 5 Nights – Sept 6

2004 Voyager of the Seas – Western Caribbean 9 Nights – Oct 10

2005 Jewel of the Seas – Westbound Transatlantic 12 Nights – Aug 31

2006 Explorer of the Seas – Bermuda 5 Nights – May 14

2006 Explorer of the Seas – Bermuda 5 Nights – Sept 3

2007 Radiance of the Seas – Hawaii Circle 14 Nights – April 28

2008 Explorer of the Seas – Southern Caribbean 12 Nights – Mar 16

2008 Eurodam – NYC Introduction Cruise 3 Nights – Aug 29

2009 Explorer of the Seas – Eastern Caribbean 9 Nights – Mar 27

 

Future Cruises:

2009 Norwegian Jewel – New England & Canada 10 Nights – Oct 10

[Ocean Boy]

Yes and the more you drink for free the more more cruise credits you will get. :eek::eek::eek: LOL

 

Now THAT is funny.:D:D:D

[beachbuddy]

Of course it's about the free drinks, but most were not being honest.

 

Read over and over these "patrons" just wanted a place to schooze with "their kind". :eek: (yeah, OK)

 

If I were a D member, I would have been complaining about the free drinks. Not being one, I've just been reading this evolution of human nature as a interesting pyschological thread.

 

It has played out as expected.

 

Mr. Pete,

 

I totally agree! I actually posted something about that early this morning but somehow my post is gone!!! Someone pulled it and I don't know why because I don't think there was anything bad in it. Do the moderators just pull threads or would it have been pulled because someone complained about it?? I'm confused because I really don't think there was anything bad in it.:confused::confused:

[kaboodle]

i agree with teajak. we are diamond plus and i would give up a few drinks to get back the stacking/combining as it was prior to dec.31, 2008. we were combining 3 discounts/shipboard credits on each cruise and having taken 25 cruises on rcl and have 5 more booked, it was a loss for us.

 

kaboodle

[JJ2sail]

You still have the Diamond lounges on the newer ships, you did not lose that!

 

Have you been in the concierge lounge with 200 of your closest friends.:rolleyes:

 

Some people will never be happy.

[shaggyofwv]

RCI didn't please the Diamond members with their second letter!

 

I just received Mr. Goldstein's email today regarding the updated changes for the Diamond Members. He must think we are all children and are trying to hand us a cream donut with no cream in it!!!! By giving us 25% off on drinks during a special cocktail hour and serving wine and cheese each day, you obviously don’t get it!

 

One of the most wonderful things about Royal Caribbean is that after you reach the status of becoming a Diamond Member you look forward to every cruise with them....the wonderful concierge service, you can have an espresso, cappuccino, coffee, watch t.v. in your own lounge, mingle with fellow diamond members because you have alot more in common with Diamond Members then you do with suite owners.

 

The Diamond Members have been around alot longer, know alot more, and appreciate the cruise line more than the cruisline obviously knows. And because of that this is what Royal Caribbean fails to understand.

 

We have been loyal, we have been the backbone, and at one time you did appreciate us by giving us concierge service, and of course, the cocktail hour from 5 to 8 every night of the cruise. Also, a lot of diamond members don't even drink, they shared sodas and talked about past cruises and new cruises. This is what you’re screwing around with. It has nothing to do with wine and cheese tasting and 25% off cocktails. It has to deal with good loyal people who have come back year after year. If these people were smart, they would do what I'm doing, by staying far away from a cruise line whose only thought is the bottom line.

 

If the diamond members would stay away even for one cruise, I think Royal Caribbean would then see the light and surely reverse itself from its petty ways that are going to be taken place in September 2009.

 

Why doesn't Royal Caribbean GET IT! It seems they don't even realize there are more competitive cruiselines and pricing out there then ever before!

 

Even though I feel these postings on CC are helpful, I think it would be more beneficial if we write directy to Mr. Goldstein with our remarks on how we feel. Below is the information where you can send your information to him and reach RCI.:cool:

 

Adam Goldstein (President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International)

Royal Caribbean International

1050 Caribbean Way

Miami, FL 33132-2096

 

800-398-9819

305-539-6000

 

 

 

Wow, my retinas are still burning from that bright red font!

[ExploreroftheSeas92]

Just what the boards need another thoughtless ramble. It's not Royal Caribbean that does not get it.

 

 

I second that.

[tugboat]

You still have the Diamond lounges on the newer ships, you did not lose that!

 

Have you been in the concierge lounge with 200 of your closest friends.:rolleyes:

 

Some people will never be happy.

 

No but I have been in the over flow lounge with 200 of our closest friends,

 

Overcrowding never was the issue, JUST MONEY, RCL needs a new slogan

 

GREED IS GOOD

[slotaddict]

How many threads can possibly be devoted to this subject - about 2 weeks ago the moderators tried to combine them all into the one Crown and Anchor rant. And yet they still go on and on and on ad nauseum.

[tugboat]

Just what the boards need another thoughtless ramble. It's not Royal Caribbean that does not get it.

 

We notice you couldn't stay away, :confused:

[tugboat]

How many threads can possibly be devoted to this subject - about 2 weeks ago the moderators tried to combine them all into the one Crown and Anchor rant. And yet they still go on and on and on ad nauseum.

 

But some people kept clicking on them even when they know what is being written, if you don't like it, DON'T CLICK ON IT.

[Puffinater]

We notice you couldn't stay away, :confused:

I read most threads to see the content. Read this one and realized it was just another ramble most likely to be followed by another ramble of a thread that I will also read. After a few views I will no longer view it because it will have no value and serve not purpose other than to provide chronic complainers a place to meet.

[beachbuddy]

Frankly my DH and I could care less about level - and if the amount of $$ spent on ship counted - trust me we would be D+ easily. We enjoy good wine, champagne and I also shop on the ship. We can pay for our own drinks and mingle in any of the great bars with "wonderful" people, preferably the Champagne Bar, where I can BUY the champagne of my choice. QUOTE]

 

Hey, congratulations!! Your one of a few that can afford to buy the best of everything and spend lots of money while on a ship!! Really, consider yourself lucky. Hmmmmm, do you spend any of that money on a suite?? If so, you probably already have use of the CL.

[tomjohnsonjr]

RCI didn't please the Diamond members with their second letter!

I just received Mr. Goldstein's email today regarding the updated changes for the Diamond Members. He must think we are all children and are trying to hand us a cream donut with no cream in it!!!! By giving us 25% off on drinks during a special cocktail hour and serving wine and cheese each day, you obviously don’t get it!

One of the most wonderful things about Royal Caribbean is that after you reach the status of becoming a Diamond Member you look forward to every cruise with them....the wonderful concierge service, you can have an espresso, cappuccino, coffee, watch t.v. in your own lounge, mingle with fellow diamond members because you have alot more in common with Diamond Members then you do with suite owners.

 

November 29th, 2008, 10:48 PM

sculptress

Cool Cruiser Join Date: May 2006

Location: New York

Posts: 49

 

Suzanne...Anyone....HOW DO YOU GET ON THE LIVE THREAD TO HEAR ABOUT DELAYS?

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

I just read on one of the posts sent today by Ann that someone had to be air lifted from the Explorer today. I hope that doesn't affect the time the Explorer arrives in tomorrow. Suzanne..anyone....would you know about this?

 

She mentioned about a live thread to find out if the ship will be late tomorrow morning? How do you get on this live thread on this site? I hate to think we have to stay in traffic in the parking lot of the port for hours again like we did last DEC!

 

Thanks a bunch! Keeping my fingers crossed for calmer seas and early arrival.

Janet & Nick

 

 

[

[mgmigs]

maybe they would not have this problem if they actually only allowed the diamond, diamond+ and suite guests in the lounge. on my last cruise, it was clear that there were people in the lounges that did not belong but the staff was afraid to ask them to leave because they did not want anyone upset.

 

on departure day, the diamond departure lounge had no seats available, no coffee, juice, breakfast, nothing left, it was just empty trays and dispensers because again, there was a big group of first time cruisers traveling together with a travel agent that was a diamond member. i know this because i heard them talking among themselves. i'm sure there were others that did not belong in there too!.

 

it just seems ridiculous to penalize the diamonds because RCCL cannot enforce it's own policies! p.s. the coupon for the free wine in the coupon booklet is only la terre so it is safe to assume that the free wine in the new diamond lounge will be la terre or worse. la terre is undrinkable unless you like headaches!

[iflyjets]

Thanks for the amen, Emerald. I, too, have sailed on Princess and find it a very nice line for my needs. We sailed a lot of RCCL waboard the Voyager class when we traveled as a multigenerational family group. BUt with it just the 2 of us now, anything goes, and the "glow" of the RCCL megaship has dulled along with the diamond perks.

 

And we are particular about our wines, too. As a matter of fact, one of the reasons RCCL has lost my interest is that they cahrge such high mark-ups (4-5 times the retail sale price) for a bottle of mediocre wine.

 

As for itinierary, I really prefer the Princess itineraries for Europe (also like Celebrity). And the difference in price buys me a WHOLE lotta perks (of my choosing) with $$$$ left over when I disembark;).

[xpcdoojk]

No but I have been in the over flow lounge with 200 of our closest friends,

 

Overcrowding never was the issue, JUST MONEY, RCL needs a new slogan

 

GREED IS GOOD

 

I would cheer them endlessly if they had the balls to pick GREED IS GOOD as the company slogan.

 

I see greed in this particular case as greed to get free special treatment, drinks, and access to a concierge.

 

Greed, means I do what is in my best interests without regard to you (assuming I am not harming you and not violating the law), and you do what is in your best interests without regard to me, and we are all better off when that happens. I have never had a problem with someone deciding because of the changes sailing with another cruise line. Go, check it out. How do you know where you fit if you only do one cruiseline? I have a problem with people who feel that the cruise line owes them free drinks, a concierge to give them tickets to the ice show, and a cappucino machine that I can't use.

 

If RCI chooses this as their company slogan, I would book them exclusively. In this day and age the actual preference for liberty and free enterprise would be quite refreshing, from the entitlement mentality that I see on this thread continuously.

 

jc

[originalbb]

While those who have been D D+ for awhile know our numbers over the last couple of years have been growing waaaaaay too fast:cool:. IMHO the real and only problem with the C&A program as a whole is the double credits and grandfathered or household add on members. IMHO RCI should take this time to finally go to a number of nights or days booked for credit. The Suites on 3,4 and even 7 nights for double credit has flooded the membership pool. I am all in favor of giving all suite guests special attention and benefits during their cruise but the LOYALTY comes from those of us who come back for week after week and year after year on board. It has hurt our travel budget a bunch with the elimination of the combining of "offers" but all this going on and on about the CL is more than a bit much. I hope RCI will take the time to read all of the posts and stop this firestorm NOW! If I were King for the day you would need 70 nights for D and 140 for D+. Yes, you guessed it I have more than that...(right now sitting on 229 nights with 21 more booked (just got LB for August) we have only one 4 day in that. As a stock holder I do understand watching costs and even (I hope temporary) understand the decision to not pay dividends. I feel RCI could do a lot better job on all levels of Recognition both onboard and off. I do not think any of us are so fossilized that we forgot how it made you feel special to be invited to that first Repeaters Party, we all know the drink were weak but it made you feel noted. The Loyalty Ambassadors need to be doing just that! Not only working as on board booking agents. We have stayed with RCI since our first sailing on Sun Viking and look forward to Oasis when the new ship prices work themselves out. I do think RCI could do a lot for the bottom line by reviewing their wine and drink pricing how could a bottle of Asti Spumante be had at a restaurant in OKC for $13 when it is $23 on ship?? RCI could do a lot for the bottom line in looking to the McDonalds model of Quantity and a lower profit rather than the current structure. I think this would do a lot to stop the "smuggling" issue by letting folks know that they can get their drinks onboard at a reasonable price and not sour them for the entire trip by taking their loot upon boarding. And while I'm at it RCI the Sirloin is NOT real steak, bring back the NY strip. Sirloin is what you get at a CHEAP drive by. Deliver the product at a fair price and you will sell more!:) Well I feel better now so off to fix a broken window for big sister.

As we all know the worst day on vacation is still better than the best day at work.:D:D:D

[originalbb]

I thought this site on Cruise Critic was a place where we can make our comments as long as they were decent which I feel mine was. But evidentially someone doesn't want FREE EXPRESSION ON THIS WEBSITE!!! So, once again, I have been removed. I certainly smell a fish somewhere. This site is a REAL JOKE!:mad:

WWJBD???? "breath in, breath out, move on"

[Kaboochi]

What is the REAL story behind RCCL taking benefits away from their most loyal customers? Did RCCL make a profit last year? I believe yes, and it was rather handsome. Is it because they have planned expanding their fleet with ships such as Oasis and don't have the $ to fund constructing them? I think they have taken the wrong path to cut costs. You don't bite the hand that feeds you.

[iflyjets]

Dutchess,

 

I would add that the only disagreeable part of Carnival for us is the ever present smoking. It is substansially more noticeable on Carnival than RCCL (so if you're a smoker, this is good, but not for us). It was particularly bad in the casino and the piano bar, causing us to leave both venues, places we normally like to hang out on other lines.

 

Also, we found the revue shows beneath the standards of RCCL (I think Celebrity has the best) ONLY in that RCCL usually has excellent, excellent vocalists (4 of them per show) and Carnival has cut back to 2 vocalists per prodcution show (and, honestly, not quite as good). If, however, this holds little value for you, then there would be no difference. Dancers are great on both with marvelous choreography. And both lines have the same quality of comedians, jugglers, magicians or...(insert act here).

 

Cabins are great on Carnival. Food is comparable (each line has good items and not so good items). I think Carnival pizza is much better than RCCL (and anyone else). I have always had great service from the room stewards on Carnival (better than RCCL).

 

A lot of the comparison depends on which ships you are comparing, so I recommend reading lots of reviews here on Cruise Critic for the parituclar ships you wish to compare.