Michael Bayley looking for feedback D/D+ and suite lounges

[CruiseGus]

5 hours ago, Gilley said:

I like that idea of having another tier between D+ and Pinnacle.

And then limit the lounge access to that new level and Pinnacles.  Problem with overcrowding as well a service complaints solved.

[OCSC Mike]

22 minutes ago, monctonguy said:

I don't get your reply to my statement.

Just sharing some positivity that not all cruisers are down on cruising, that's all.

Two prices I got are actually pretty decent, historically speaking, one wasn't awful for June, and July was a bit high but I'm also limited to when school is out so it is what it is. Not sure what amenities I'm missing and there is currently no charge for Sorrento's.

Sorry I'm not in your socioeconomic status, lol. How dare I reply to someone of your vast wealth!

My suite experience on Wonder in June was absolutely amazing in every way and the family members who treated us (and meet your socioeconomic standards) felt the same way.

[Va4fam]

The big brains at Royal had to know this C & A logjam was inevitable.   If you want a totally out of the box idea, how about creating a few cruises that cost double the current amount with the promise of sailing at 50% capacity.  No overcrowding, no elevator waiting, anytime dining would really be.......any time. 

Or some type of bundled package.....internet, drinks, gratuities include similar to Princess Plus or Celebrity.

How about 2 new C & A Levels:   Mid Tier-340-350 points to break up the Diamond Plus-Pinnacle void, and 2000 points......  All those Pinnacles need a new goal too.The lounge is not a big deal to me since we get the free drinks.   Maybe the new 350 pointers get Free internet or drink package or specialty dining?

Big picture for us is that cruising is not the "value" that it was last year or in 2017-2020.   Charging for inexpensive and average pizza seems pretty low even for Royal.

 

[twangster]

3 hours ago, Va4fam said:

The big brains at Royal had to know this C & A logjam was inevitable.   If you want a totally out of the box idea, how about creating a few cruises that cost double the current amount with the promise of sailing at 50% capacity.  No overcrowding, no elevator waiting, anytime dining would really be.......any time. 

Or some type of bundled package.....internet, drinks, gratuities include similar to Princess Plus or Celebrity.

How about 2 new C & A Levels:   Mid Tier-340-350 points to break up the Diamond Plus-Pinnacle void, and 2000 points......  All those Pinnacles need a new goal too.The lounge is not a big deal to me since we get the free drinks.   Maybe the new 350 pointers get Free internet or drink package or specialty dining?

Big picture for us is that cruising is not the "value" that it was last year or in 2017-2020.   Charging for inexpensive and average pizza seems pretty low even for Royal.

 

With half the people removed they lose more than just half the cruise fare.  Given the amount of revenue that comes from onboard spend they'd need to triple the price and maintain 50% capacity. 

[GatorCruiser]

What is their reluctance to adding a tier between D+ and pinnacle do you all surmise ?

[smokeybandit]

6 minutes ago, GatorCruiser said:

What is their reluctance to adding a tier between D+ and pinnacle do you all surmise ?

The only benefit to adding a new tier would be if you devalued the tiers below it. 

The more effective thing to do would be just to widen the point gap to get to D and D+.  

[twangster]

An overcrowded loyalty lounge is not a problem for a company.  In fact it's the very best problem for a company to have.  It's a big flashing sign that the loyalty program is working great.  From a company perspective why mess with success?  It's not a problem for the company, it's only a problem for a select group of customers at a small moment in time during the 24 hour day.  Namely some people have issue with the coffee machine for a limited time during morning hours and some people who still hold onto that unofficial open bar happy hour early evening from yesteryear.  Ninety percent of the time the loyalty lounge is empty.  What's to fix?

[smokeybandit]

I'd love to know what percentage of vouchers go unused (or go for N/A items) on a given cruise.  

[GatorCruiser]

2 minutes ago, twangster said:

An overcrowded loyalty lounge is not a problem for a company.  In fact it's the very best problem for a company to have.  It's a big flashing sign that the loyalty program is working great.  From a company perspective why mess with success?  It's not a problem for the company, it's only a problem for a select group of customers at a small moment in time during the 24 hour day.  Namely some people have issue with the coffee machine for a limited time during morning hours and some people who still hold onto that unofficial open bar happy hour early evening from yesteryear.  Ninety percent of the time the loyalty lounge is empty.  What's to fix?

No doubt ,  but then why was Bailey compelled to bring it up at all ? 

[smokeybandit]

1 minute ago, GatorCruiser said:

No doubt ,  but then why was Bailey compelled to bring it up at all ? 

Because the survey person was busy with a pizza task

[twangster]

17 minutes ago, GatorCruiser said:

What is their reluctance to adding a tier between D+ and pinnacle do you all surmise ?

Six levels to a loyalty program is already probably one too many.

9 minutes ago, smokeybandit said:

The more effective thing to do would be just to widen the point gap to get to D and D+.  

There is also the wonky Emerald level that doesn't make sense in the progression.  

The reality is there are incremental benefits at 340 and 525, they just aren't named levels.  Re-aligning the lower levels makes a lot of sense and including something with better value before Diamond.  Currently the tiers before D are just more of the same nothing much.  

[twangster]

7 minutes ago, GatorCruiser said:

No doubt ,  but then why was Bailey compelled to bring it up at all ? 

It shows that he is listening and isn't deaf. 

Understand though that a lot of what Bayley says never comes to fruition. 

How's that free internet he promised for Enchantment working out?

[FionaMG]

23 minutes ago, smokeybandit said:

I'd love to know what percentage of vouchers go unused (or go for N/A items) on a given cruise.  

100% of mine and DH's

Soda, OJ and water.

[smokeybandit]

My numbers are skewed by the suite lounge, but I average only about 3 vouchers per day used out of my 5

[teddy]

51 minutes ago, FionaMG said:

100% of mine and DH's

Soda, OJ and water.

Mine and my wife’s, too…although she gets fancy coffees and I get cans of coke.  Any unused vouchers are turned into water bottles when we head back to our cabin. 

[twangster]

1 hour ago, smokeybandit said:

I'd love to know what percentage of vouchers go unused (or go for N/A items) on a given cruise.  

When I sail solo it averages 3 per day.  I'll often grab bottles of water with a few at the end of the day just to stock the cabin with some water.

When I sail with @Matt I use all of mine and most of his.  

[Pattycruise]

2 hours ago, GatorCruiser said:

No doubt ,  but then why was Bailey compelled to bring it up at all ? 

The Presidents cruise was a few weeks ago, with 550 Pinnacles, 1250 D+/D combined I’m sure it was a bit of an increase from the past and there was an earful given about the lounges so it’s fresh in his mind.  Personally I went to the D lounge twice and was able to find seats. 

 

2 hours ago, smokeybandit said:

I'd love to know what percentage of vouchers go unused (or go for N/A items) on a given cruise.  

I drink free in the casino.  I barely use 2 of my vouchers, maybe 3.  If I remember I grab the remainder of my D+ drinks and give them to my stateroom attendant as an added tip.  Some like soda, some like beer. 

[Cruisingmama]

1 hour ago, Pattycruise said:

The Presidents cruise was a few weeks ago, with 550 Pinnacles, 1250 D+/D combined I’m sure it was a bit of an increase from the past and there was an earful given about the lounges so it’s fresh in his mind.  Personally I went to the D lounge twice and was able to find seats. 

 

I drink free in the casino.  I barely use 2 of my vouchers, maybe 3.  If I remember I grab the remainder of my D+ drinks and give them to my stateroom attendant as an added tip.  Some like soda, some like beer. 

From what I hear he got an earful about the terrible food at the MDR yet he's not asking any questions about that...

Never thought to give drinks to my stateroom attendant. Great idea. Do you ask them if/what they would like or do you just offer? Have to try that.

[RWDW1204]

1 hour ago, Pattycruise said:

If I remember I grab the remainder of my D+ drinks and give them to my stateroom attendant as an added tip.  Some like soda, some like beer. 

Great idea. How does one do this? 

 

[Pattycruise]

1 hour ago, Cruisingmama said:

From what I hear he got an earful about the terrible food at the MDR yet he's not asking any questions about that...

Never thought to give drinks to my stateroom attendant. Great idea. Do you ask them if/what they would like or do you just offer? Have to try that.

 

30 minutes ago, RWDW1204 said:

Great idea. How does one do this? 

 

I make general conversation with them and then ask them the types of drinks they like.  If they are vague I’ll ask probing questions.  Do you drink soda? Do you ever drink beer? What kind?  Or if you could have just one kind of beer what would it be? (After establishing they like beer)  I leave the items on the couch with a note with their name and “for you”.  Or I’ll leave them set up on the desk on disembarkation day along with their tip envelope.

[FionaMG]

6 hours ago, teddy said:

Mine and my wife’s, too…although she gets fancy coffees and I get cans of coke.  Any unused vouchers are turned into water bottles when we head back to our cabin. 

I do occasionally get a fancy coffee if I'm in the WJ and the coffee is even more shockingly awful than usual.

[Mike n Ky]

First...haven't had any logjam issues in the D lounge. Half the time I go there it's to talk with the concierge. Loading the vouchers onto the card i think made a huge difference.

Next...how does one get invited to the Presidents cruise?  

[Last Lion]

Glad someone finally mentioned the concierge. It is like having your own guest services/maître de available with no lineup. They have smoothed out numerous issues in the past for us. Royal seems to put some of their best people in that role.

That plus the opportunity to meet other frequent cruisers are the best benefits of the D lounge.

 

 

 

[smokeybandit]

33 minutes ago, Mike n Ky said:

Next...how does one get invited to the Presidents cruise?  

Anyone can book it.

[OCSC Mike]

7 minutes ago, Last Lion said:

Glad someone finally mentioned the concierge. It is like having your own guest services/maître de available with no lineup.

Knock on wood, we've rarely had issues, but we've definitely used the D concierge on occasion and they have always been helpful. Not super important to us (I make far more use of the coffee machine and nightly snacks) but very nice to have.

[OCSC Mike]

36 minutes ago, Mike n Ky said:

First...haven't had any logjam issues in the D lounge. Loading the vouchers onto the card i think made a huge difference.

Same experience for me.

[HeWhoWaits]

Replying to two different mentions:

The Diamond Lounge is crowded? I think the most people I've EVER encountered there at the same time is seven, including the concierge and a food service crew member. (Note: became Diamond after the institution of vouchers).

Unused vouchers or used for non-alcoholic - none of mine, one or two a day of my wife's for virgin drinks or specialty coffee.

[Matt]

On 8/11/2023 at 7:43 PM, GatorCruiser said:

What is their reluctance to adding a tier between D+ and pinnacle do you all surmise ?

Two issues I can see.

First, Royal Caribbean already has the most tiers of any cruise line customer loyalty program.  A few President Cruises ago, Michael Bayley brought this up and thought it was convoluted enough as it is (not his exact words).

Second, I think them adding a middle tier will make some people feel Diamond is now a lower tier or just lower value.

[Pattycruise]

11 hours ago, Mike n Ky said:

Next...how does one get invited to the Presidents cruise?  

Next one is June 23 on Oasis out of Barcelona. It was announced on this years President cruise (out of Galveston end of July)  everyone ran to next cruise to book it and the prices were ridiculous-I did hear people used their travel agent who had blocks of rooms booked-coincidentally-and those people had a good price.

[Last Lion]

What events, etc. are on the president’s cruise that are not found on a regular cruise?

[Pattycruise]

45 minutes ago, Last Lion said:

What events, etc. are on the president’s cruise that are not found on a regular cruise?

The headliner entertainer this President’s cruise on Allure was Chaka Khan.  I heard Foreigner was on another year.  They bring in “the top” cruise entertainers . D+ and Pinnacle had champagne parties.  Everyone onboard was invited to Costa Maya port where Royal had taken it over and had free beer and frozen drinks along with a taco bar and churros. (Serenade of the Seas joined us)There was an excursion the President attended and another excursion-different port-where members of the Royal staff were in attendance.  

giveaways included  ;cowboy hat for all, tote bag, can cooler/holder, chocolate. Royal Bisa cardholders received beach type duffel and beach towel.

there were 2 balloon drops, they gave away 2cruises as well as future drink packages, rock climbing, spa etc. 

There was a Q&A in the theater with the CEO.  I imagine there was more-can’t think of it.

oh, I know what it was.  It was the biggest bunch of whiners in the Facebook group. Whiners about who gets what in regards to perks, tickets etc.  Whiners about crowding, people’s souvenirs , parties and more whining about the dumbest of things.  I wonder if any of those people were able to enjoy themselves!

[cruisellama]

Give the D and D+'s a couple of extra drink coupons and give the lounge to the Pinnacles.

[Heymarco]

36 minutes ago, cruisellama said:

Give the D and D+'s a couple of extra drink coupons and give the lounge to the Pinnacles.

Just make it optional for all members. For each cruise you can choose to have lounge access or an extra drink voucher each day added to your account. Problem solved.

[Jill]

On 8/11/2023 at 7:56 PM, smokeybandit said:

I'd love to know what percentage of vouchers go unused (or go for N/A items) on a given cruise.  

All 10 of ours are alcohol and are usually gone before dinner

[smokeybandit]

32 minutes ago, Jill said:

All 10 of ours are alcohol and are usually gone before dinner