Rackham

With how Royal likes sales on fares and cruise planner purchases, I could see them reduce the % & dollars off amounts before introducing a fuel surcharge. Less off across the board could equal the value of a surcharge without the negative PR of adding one.

That's my assumption too; with the majority C&A members below Diamond as the benefits aren't much before, comparatively speaking. I'd anticipate cruisers at Diamond and above are cruising frequently enough that any comps being offered, most famously those drink vouchers, are more than paid for with the amount of spend with Royal. Another thing I suspect is many people who cruise annually are jumping between lines looking for the best deal. While I haven't seen this mentioned in discussions, the amount of vacation time and mean household income in the US means most (at least for the US) aren't going to be racing up the C&A levels. Assuming earning 1 cruise point per night and 1 cruise per year, it'd take 12 years to hit Diamond. As a data point, one of Royal's automated marketing emails to my account thanked me for being one of their best customers... after having booked 3 cruises sometime in the future and currently at Pre-Gold. So I'm assuming the average number booked is 2 or less per year.

1 liter is allowed duty free. If I'm remembering correctly, it's 3% of the purchase price after the 1st liter (save your receipts). I've heard, though, that customs might not charge the 3% unless you're bringing back a several bottles and it's obvious you're over.

Looking beyond the drink vouchers, Diamond is receiving 20% off glasses of wine, beer, and soda (25% off for Diamond+ & Pinnacle) which, if you're partaking in any of those, makes it harder to break even on the DBP. That's not mentioning the 50% off when purchased together offer either.

From the perspective of someone who’s pre-Gold (since new cruisers was brought up), and who has a variety of itineraries booked, the Deluxe pricing I’ve seen (typically $60.99 to $69.99) isn’t worth it to me. And I would love to see Royal’s numbers on the amount of drinks the average purchaser consumes using the package. First couple of days, maybe the math would be in my favor. Later on though, after shore excursions and general drink fatigue, I couldn’t see myself clearing what the package costs. Instead, at least for a 9-night this summer, I’ve booked the Chef’s Table, Sushi and Sake, and Taste of Royal (with the intention of getting the wine pairing included in this calculation) for about $458 less than the cheapest Deluxe pricing I’ve seen. To spend the same amount as I would have on the Deluxe, I’d need to drink 30 cocktails over the entire voyage, or just over 3 per day, in addition to the exclusive dining experiences booked! I can’t see drinking that much due to personal preferences, length of time in port, and being able to bring 2 bottles of wine aboard. Yes, I did remember the mandatory 18% gratuity and I'm aware that the Deluxe is good for more than mixed drinks (ran the numbers on a variety of scenarios too). Speaking of shore excursions, the pricing on CocoCay is CocoCayzy. But I’m sure people are paying it if RCL is charging it.

Adding to this, most couples trying to climb the C&A ladder quickly will have one of them book a suite solo (for 3 points per night) while the other books the cheapest interior then joins them in the suite during the sailing. Though I am curious to learn what Jlight finds so valuable with Diamond status that they're willing to book multiple cabins to reach it fast? Don't get me wrong, the benefits are nice (though from my perspective as a solo cruiser and preferences they're trip enhancements, not savings, until 340; nice, but not essential), but the cost to get there quickly would go a long way towards future cruises and onboard pluses.

DBP = 4 times the current average cocktail cost, $52; willing to bite around $55. But this also depends on the sailing and potential for use. If I have to work it for value, then I don't consider it to have cost savings.

If you're looking for something similar, and potentially more durable, there's neoprene luggage handle wraps in a variety of colors. Most 5 packs are $10-$12 on Amazon. My approach is to used two different designs, one for each handle on my checked suitcase, and gluing them shut along the Velcro on the wraps (the wraps are cheap enough to cut off when it's time to replace). They're not coming off easily and mixing designs means less of a chance of someone else using a similar pair of wraps on their luggage.

I doubt Royal will water things down [much] in the future for the simple reason of benefits offered not costing the company that much money; yet the benefits encourage repeat customers. While a drink might cost us $13 (plus 18%) it doesn't cost Royal anywhere near that amount. And while it appears RCI is leaving money on the table by offering discounts to loyalty members when booking balconies and suites, they're still making a profit on the booking and know they have the cabin sold for that sailing. During less pandemic times, Royal wants every cabin on the ship sold. The loyalty program helps with that objective. I believe it was the recent earnings call where one of their executives stated the average guest spends around 50% of their fare on voyage additions after booking. For example, let's say the cost of a balcony was $1,800 before taxes and after a $250 Diamond discount. On average, then, Royal can expect an additional $900 spent aboard. Without knowing the expenses per person and service this is a shot in the dark, but I'm going to assume Royal is coming out nicely (even after discounts and freebies) at $2,700 spent. In some ways, their loyalty program is working similar to a theme park annual pass program. It's encouraging repeat visits, and then because of the perceived value from benefits received encourages onboard spending. Eh, they're comping my drinks this week, maybe I'll spurge one night on an expensive bottle of wine? Saved hundreds on the room so let's go for that unlimited dinning package. Maybe we'll do that customized, private excursion this time we've been wanting to do for years.

This is probably their website you're looking for: Group Event Customization . There's a chance that she attended a private party in a Star Class suite. In which case the Royal Genie would've been the contact person for the host.