Letter to Diamond Members (Merged Threads)

[sealord]

Sealord - still banging on?............And on............And on...........and on!!

 

Honestly, you've had your say - over and over again - let's hear from others who may have something new to contribute!!

 

I've had my say ... I've not yet begun to have my say.;) And this is not my only venue. We will keep those cards and letters coming folks, so I hope RCI has a big mailbox. Hmm, I wonder if Bill O'Reilly would be interested.:eek:

 

And who made you Queen for a day, and website moderator?:rolleyes:

 

And lastly, anyone is free to make their comments. There is plenty of room her for everyone ... even hellosailor ... I guess.;)

[GEORGET]

There were 700 diamond diamond plus on my last cruise.

 

Hellosailor... you deserve a free drink for continuing to try to talk sense to the BMW crowd. If you ever sail with me I am buying!:cool:

 

jc

 

Which ship? was it a C&A Cruise

[xpcdoojk]

I've had my say ... I've not yet begun to have my say.;) And this is not my only venue. We will keep those cards and letters coming folks, so I hope RCI has a big mailbox. Hmm, I wonder if Bill O'Reilly would be interested.:eek:

 

And who made you Queen for a day, and website moderator?:rolleyes:

 

And lastly, anyone is free to make their comments. There is plenty of room her for everyone ... even hellosailor ... I guess.;)

 

Yeah, there is probably a marconi award lurking there for the no spin zone. I can't imagine even an economic moron like Bill O'Reilly would buy into this, but hey, you can dream. Even if your dreams are like a bad acid trip.

 

jc

[xpcdoojk]

Which ship? was it a C&A Cruise

 

Nope a 13 night Transatlantic out of Southampton in November 2007

[sealord]

Yeah, there is probably a marconi award lurking there for the no spin zone. I can't imagine even an economic moron like Bill O'Reilly would buy into this, but hey, you can dream. Even if your dreams are like a bad acid trip.

 

jc

 

Can someone decipher this post for me? I would like to know what he is saying, since he is quoting my post, but other than it appears he's not an O'Reilly fan ... I could have easily used one of the CNN, or CNBC folks, but FOX has much higher viewership ... any talk show guy would do ... I am clueless about what he is saying. And sorry, I've never had a 'bad acid trip', or any 'acid trip', whatever that is, so I'm again at somewhat of a disadvantage here.

 

I also apologize if it looked like a 'political' posting. Please substitute David Lettermen for O'Reilly ... he would do just fine.:)

[Fitnessmaniac]

Nope a 13 night Transatlantic out of Southampton in November 2007

We were on that cruise and you are correct. There were over 700 diamonds and 75 diamond plus on that cruise.

They had to use the overflow lounge every night.

It was a fun cruise!!! Loved it! Would do it again in a heartbeat. :)

[GEORGET]

Nope a 13 night Transatlantic out of Southampton in November 2007

 

As this was your last cruise you will not have seen all the changes that have happened on board in the last six months.

You would not recognise it as the same as 2007

 

We have done four cruises in six months and on every one something has either been withdrawn, changed from free to a charge or increased in price.

 

All little things but they mount up.

 

The treatment of C&A members to a lot of us was the last straw.

 

I agree though if one in three passengers were diamond on a ship there are going to be problems.

Independance tomorrow want to see whats changed since Feb

[curley23]

Whenever I read posts (and I don't mean from you) about how cruising was more expensive in the past than it is now I can't help but wonder what present day pricing would look like if the supply available now was the same as it was years ago. It is all about the cruise lines charging what the market will bear. If present supply was at the levels where it was years ago when the lines were getting higher prices and can only imagine what pricing would look like now. Cruising might still be something that many of us could only dream about.

 

We started cruising in the early 80's, and were in our late 20's then. We would cruise on Princess, on the actual love boat run, and on a line called Sitmar which later got bought out by Princess. Most ships were 600-800pax and less than 25000tons. An inside cabin was about $1500 for a 7 day. The only balcony cabins were the few suites they had, and I can't even remember those prices, except we could not even dream about being able to afford one. Most casinos consisted of about 50 slot machines, and maybe a blackjack table or 2. You got 3 meals per day in the dining room. No other places to eat. Each night at midnight some type of snacks, and a big buffet maybe 2 or 3 nights. Other than that you ordered room service if you were hungry and maybe got a cheese sandwich, or fruit . I do have to say, the meals were excellent, not very many selections like today, but Maine lobster on lobster night, prime steaks, etc, and you still paid for alcohol. I think they could charge those kinds of prices back then as there was pretty much a captive audience, and the cruises were priced basically to the highest bidder in terms of demand. If that is all there was today, (say maybe 10-15% of todays capacity in the industry),I'll bet they would get at least $5000 or more for the same cabin, easy. The upscale lines today don't compare to those either. It is not the same product.

[curley23]

Can someone decipher this post for me? I would like to know what he is saying, since he is quoting my post, but other than it appears he's not an O'Reilly fan ... I could have easily used one of the CNN, or CNBC folks, but FOX has much higher viewership ... any talk show guy would do ... I am clueless about what he is saying. And sorry, I've never had a 'bad acid trip', or any 'acid trip', whatever that is, so I'm again at somewhat of a disadvantage here.

 

I also apologize if it looked like a 'political' posting. Please substitute David Lettermen for O'Reilly ... he would do just fine.:)

 

Case closed!!

[dfishner]

If all you complainers jump from RCCL to other cruise lines like CELEBRITY or HAL you are in for a great surprize, you will get nothing on these lines.

 

JIM

That is not always the case, we booked NCL Pearl was given $500 OBC and a $100 discount on a mini suite on the aft. I consider that a great surprize and we did get something and were not even looking hard for it either.

[aloha of the seas]

I have said before that that better benefit for us to have kept, and to spend more time complaining about, is the combining of discounts. When you think about the possibility of a $225 C&A coupon, a balcony discount of $300, a shareholder credit of $250 and a next cruise credit of $100; you've got to do a lot of drinking to compensate for these potential lost credits. Granted you might not use all of them on one cruise, but I have used 3 and that means $425 that I do not have available to me for my next cruise. So lets concentrate our efforts on getting our discounts back, we already got 25% off our drinks. Good Sailing, Murf

[Buccaneergirl]

I have said before that that better benefit for us to have kept, and to spend more time complaining about, is the combining of discounts. When you think about the possibility of a $225 C&A coupon, a balcony discount of $300, a shareholder credit of $250 and a next cruise credit of $100; you've got to do a lot of drinking to compensate for these potential lost credits. Granted you might not use all of them on one cruise, but I have used 3 and that means $425 that I do not have available to me for my next cruise. So lets concentrate our efforts on getting our discounts back, we already got 25% off our drinks. Good Sailing, Murf

 

You are so right! I am sailing on Freedom in 10 days......I am diamond and got $200 off a balcony, $100 OBC for being a shareholder and $100 OBC for nextcruise......did it all before 12/31/08. Now, just $200 for balcony. Sad, very sad.:mad:

[sealord]

Case closed!!

 

Equally enlightening.

[hellosailer]

There were 700 diamond diamond plus on my last cruise.

 

Hellosailor... you deserve a free drink for continuing to try to talk sense to the BMW crowd. If you ever sail with me I am buying!:cool:

 

jc

 

jc - best offer I've had all day - and its only 6.45 am here in the UK.:D

 

Actually, nothing I enjoy more than a good debate!! And someone should put the other side of the argument, especially when just a few people are so hung-up about such a trivial thing in life, that they are just stirring the pot where others are concerned!!

 

All this, for a few free drinkies? Or a cappucino? How will these people ever cruise again without a CL? I actually think that because RCCL have made a compromise, the moaners think that if they carry on, RCCL will give in on the whole thing and go back to where it used to be - or they work for the competition - hehehehe!!

[hellosailer]

Are you still here to respond with the same....the same....the same unreasoned support of all the mistakes Royal Caribbean management has made. :D (I need only one smiley face to get my point across.)

 

Hey, note Richard Stein's post. He reports another cruise line adding perks to increase bookings. That is real marketing.:rolleyes:

 

Rubbish - I have had my differences with RCCL in the past!! The CL on the Brilliance recently, was an eye-opener. Diamonds were barred. The first four nights were very nice in the CL. Then I spoke to the powers-that-be and said that it was against Corporate Policy and it was decided to allow Diamonds. Total and utter chaos!! Even standing in line outside at 4.30pm to get in at 5. The staff asked them to do this in order that they could set up!!!! It was awful and I felt sorry for the staff and Suite Guests who could not get in, although they had paid through the nose for this amenity - supposedly an exclusive lounge. They do not pay to get sent upstairs to a different place - they pay for the CL. The Diamonds now have their own Lounge - there ARE free drinks - just not the ones they want!!

 

Then there is the credit crunch - this Company has to pay for Oasis etc. and survive through a slump in demand - and you want them to give free drinks to thousands of cruisers a week? Many of these people have taken short cruises in inside cabins very cheaply - not even big spenders!!

 

Its annoying, irritating, but is it worth getting so very wound up about? I am beginning to think that people lose their marbles when it comes to cruising!! In fact, I know they do!! Its proved here - although I see proof on many cruises!! Fist-fights at Trivia and in the card room - that's what these threads remind me of!!!

[hellosailer]

Nope a 13 night Transatlantic out of Southampton in November 2007

 

If you are staying in London beforehand, let me know, you can come and see how the natives live!! May, just may, be a free drinkie in the offing!!

[hellosailer]

I've had my say ... I've not yet begun to have my say.;) And this is not my only venue. We will keep those cards and letters coming folks, so I hope RCI has a big mailbox. Hmm, I wonder if Bill O'Reilly would be interested.:eek:

 

And who made you Queen for a day, and website moderator?:rolleyes:

 

And lastly, anyone is free to make their comments. There is plenty of room her for everyone ... even hellosailor ... I guess.;)

 

Hi Sealord - become quite fond of you and doggie - but am beginning to be a little concerned for your sanity!!! You are no longer qualified for free drinks - we got that 65 posts ago - do you really think that with all that is going on in the world, your loss of free drinkies will make national headlines?

 

Thank you for my new title!! Make sure that you bow down and treat me with all due respect in the future!!!

 

In fact, I think you need a break - in the brig of the Marie Celeste!! Hehehehe!! By the time we finish this thread, I will probably join you!!

 

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

 

QUEEN and Charter Member Royal PITA

[hellosailer]

If you are staying in London beforehand, let me know, you can come and see how the natives live!! May, just may, be a free drinkie in the offing!!

 

Sorreeeeee.... just realised you were referring to 2007!! How am I going to get my free drink, that's what I wanna know!!

 

When are you two coming to Europe again?

 

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

 

QUEEN and Charter member Royal PITA

[GEORGET]

Rubbish - I have had my differences with RCCL in the past!! The CL on the Brilliance recently, was an eye-opener. Diamonds were barred. The first four nights were very nice in the CL. Then I spoke to the powers-that-be and said that it was against Corporate Policy and it was decided to allow Diamonds. Total and utter chaos!! Even standing in line outside at 4.30pm to get in at 5.

Then there is the credit crunch - this Company has to pay for Oasis etc. and survive through a slump in demand - and you want them to give free drinks to thousands of cruisers a week? Many of these people have taken short cruises in inside cabins very cheaply - not even big spenders!!

 

Hi I was on the Brilliance in Feb

 

Why would anybody Queue to get into that small CL lounge when the lounge upstairs was so much better?

they were serving the same drinks as the CL

If they take away the OB credit dont you think we are paying for the free drinks?

Like i have said before RCCL have got to rethink their decisions or close the CA all together and start again,

I bet the C will just love losing all the tips and as i said before Angela in the bar was great and one of our reasons for returning.

[Bobblsc]

We were on that cruise and you are correct. There were over 700 diamonds and 75 diamond plus on that cruise.

They had to use the overflow lounge every night.

It was a fun cruise!!! Loved it! Would do it again in a heartbeat. :)

 

Your post indicates that you can answer questions I have had in an unbiased manner. I have no doubt that there were over 700 diamond and diamond plus reported to be on this, and possibly other, cruises. My question to you is, from what source did you, and others, obtain this information? Was this information conveyed to you from Royal Caribbean crew who had knowledge of an actual count of the numbers, or some other source?

 

In any case, apparently large numbers in the overflow lounge did not detract from your cruise enjoyment.

 

Others on different cruises have reported less than overcrowding in satellite lounges. Of course if only the actual Concierge Lounge were used the limited space would be very packed. Even the suite occupants alone would do so.

 

Your answer will help me understand whether the decisions by Royal Caribbean are truly best for their profitability or not. Your information will assist me in determining if, in my judgment, Royal Caribbean has made the proper decisions regarding their reduction of benefits for diamond cruisers.

 

Notice that I wrote in my judgment. Many on this thread have been vehement in stating that "it is all about the free drinks" etc. You have not written "in my judgment" or " I believe" etc. None of us knows, including management of Royal Caribbean, the economic results of their decisions.

 

I don't care if it about the free drinks or not. I care about the economic impact on Royal Caribbean. Some of us have written our judgments that the economics are against the current RC decisions. I have seen little or none that is convincing for the contrary view.

 

There is a saying about economics. " This is fine in theory, but will it work in practise?" :D

 

So Fitnessmaniac, please respond as you are able to do so.

 

Bob :cool:

[glrounds]

Based on your signature,I do not see any indication that you know anything about what you are opining on.

 

Pretty typical, sadly.:rolleyes:

 

You forgot your signature (if there is one)

 

Sometimes an opinion disconnected from the people being directly affected by this new RCI policy change can offer insight into the discussion.

 

I'm sorry if I offended you, thereby forcing you to "waste" your 5th post on the necessary chastising of a Carnival cruiser. I meant no harm. :)

[Bobblsc]

Rubbish - I have had my differences with RCCL in the past!! The CL on the Brilliance recently, was an eye-opener. Diamonds were barred. The first four nights were very nice in the CL. Then I spoke to the powers-that-be and said that it was against Corporate Policy and it was decided to allow Diamonds. Total and utter chaos!! Even standing in line outside at 4.30pm to get in at 5. The staff asked them to do this in order that they could set up!!!! It was awful and I felt sorry for the staff and Suite Guests who could not get in, although they had paid through the nose for this amenity - supposedly an exclusive lounge. They do not pay to get sent upstairs to a different place - they pay for the CL. The Diamonds now have their own Lounge - there ARE free drinks - just not the ones they want!!

 

Then there is the credit crunch - this Company has to pay for Oasis etc. and survive through a slump in demand - and you want them to give free drinks to thousands of cruisers a week? Many of these people have taken short cruises in inside cabins very cheaply - not even big spenders!!

 

Its annoying, irritating, but is it worth getting so very wound up about? I am beginning to think that people lose their marbles when it comes to cruising!! In fact, I know they do!! Its proved here - although I see proof on many cruises!! Fist-fights at Trivia and in the card room - that's what these threads remind me of!!!

 

I did not see your post before my post above. Just when I thought you were a reasonable person, I see that you may lack any propensity to understand or consider the other side of a reasonable argument. Your diatribe against those who argue about the economics of the RC decisions is disturbing. I do believe that RC had an obligation, contract or not, to honor prior commitments, although my main concern is about the impact on profits, or losses, on the financial results of RCL.

 

If you and others think that RC profits will be enhanced by the present decisions and this turns out to be so, then I am wrong. But I do not believe this to be the case.

 

You have posted earlier that you like a good debate. Then debate. Do not post such derisive comments as above.

 

I do agree with you about London. It is a great city. We lived there many years ago for a short time, two months, and have visited there many times since. Even though we were at war with Britain many years ago, much of the common law and democratic government stems from the British backgrounds of the framers of our Constitution. I often say to the Brits I meet "It is so nice that after 200 years, we are finally getting along." :D

 

Bob :cool:

[hellosailer]

I did not see your post before my post above. Just when I thought you were a reasonable person, I see that you may lack any propensity to understand or consider the other side of a reasonable argument. Your diatribe against those who argue about the economics of the RC decisions is disturbing. I do believe that RC had an obligation, contract or not, to honor prior commitments,Really? For how long? Forever? This is ridiculous as we all know the famous clause that they reserve the right to alter the programme at their discretion - all loyalty progs change - why not RCCL? As I said previously, cruising makes normally reasonable people lose their marbles!! although my main concern is about the impact on profits, or losses, on the financial results of RCL. I do have that concern also as a stockholder, but believe that after thinking about it, most reasonable Diamonds will accept the alternative Lounge with the discount and the free wine and champers. I also believe that in this economic climate, most people are becoming very price-conscious also - and trying other lines anyway - nothing to do with this CL thingy.

 

If you and others think that RC profits will be enhanced by the present decisions and this turns out to be so, then I am wrong. But I do not believe this to be the case.They may well be enhanced, and I do not believe that it will affect their profits!! The cost of the lost revenue by supplying free drinks, is enough to make them sit up and take notice!! Even if its only two drinks per day per pax lost revenue for maybe thousands of Diamonds a week cruising - goodness me - where's my calculator? Wouldn't know where to start!!! Its a fortune in anyone's money!! And this is the problem as I see it - none of us have any clue as to the figures involved - as a stockholder I rely on the Management of the Company to do the right thing financially. If I can't do that, I sell the shares!!! They seem to be on their way up though.

 

You have posted earlier that you like a good debate. Then debate. Do not post such derisive comments as above. As someone else said, I do get 'testy' with Sealord sometimes - although I think he would be fun to sail with. Sadly, obviously not on RCCL though:D And then we would have to sit among the hoi-poloi as we would not have a nice private drinkie Lounge for pre-dinn liquids as we have on RCCL. And who are the hoi-poloi you want to know? The answer: non-Diamontees!!! And I am joking guys, before y'all get too excited!!!!!

 

I do agree with you about London. It is a great city. We lived there many years ago for a short time, two months, and have visited there many times since. Even though we were at war with Britain many years ago, much of the common law and democratic government stems from the British backgrounds of the framers of our Constitution. I often say to the Brits I meet "It is so nice that after 200 years, we are finally getting along." :D Who says?

 

Bob :cool:

 

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

[Ocean Boy]

I did not see your post before my post above. Just when I thought you were a reasonable person, I see that you may lack any propensity to understand or consider the other side of a reasonable argument. Your diatribe against those who argue about the economics of the RC decisions is disturbing. I do believe that RC had an obligation, contract or not, to honor prior commitments, although my main concern is about the impact on profits, or losses, on the financial results of RCL.

 

If you and others think that RC profits will be enhanced by the present decisions and this turns out to be so, then I am wrong. But I do not believe this to be the case.

 

You have posted earlier that you like a good debate. Then debate. Do not post such derisive comments as above.

 

I do agree with you about London. It is a great city. We lived there many years ago for a short time, two months, and have visited there many times since. Even though we were at war with Britain many years ago, much of the common law and democratic government stems from the British backgrounds of the framers of our Constitution. I often say to the Brits I meet "It is so nice that after 200 years, we are finally getting along." :D

 

Bob :cool:

 

And I agree with you about London. I had an amazing time when we visited there last October. I also can't say enough about the British people. I found them to be very friendly, polite, helpful, and for city folks they didn't seem to be in a very big rush to get anywhere.

 

I look forward to having the chance to visit there again in the future.

[jensenbeach]

Come on..The title of this site is "Cruise Critic" not "Cruise Love in" or "Cruise Happyness" Given this the ones who are not satisfied are documenting their discontent on "Cruise Critic". If someone wants to be a spokesman for the line or to express their "happyness" they should start a site that is titled "Cruise Happy Person" or something to that effect. Otherwise leave this website to the "Cruise Critics"