CelebrationFlCruiser Posted July 9, 2015 Report Share Posted July 9, 2015 We will reach Diamond Plus on our next cruise, Sept 13 on the Freedom. We have never gotten a pin or acknowledgement from Crown and Anchor ever. The last cruise we were on the Diamond Lounge person, Allen, noticed that we weren't wearing our Diamond pins and he presented us with our pins. That was nice. Although, we at that time, were one cruise short of Diamond Plus. We cruise about every 2 months. The only thing we have ever gotten to show recognition was, it was on our sea pass that we had reached Diamond Level and the perks were added on the pass. Does someone have pictures of the Diamond Plus Pin and the Pinnacle Pins? and How are you supposed to get the pins, on the ship or from Crown & Anchor? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Posted July 9, 2015 Report Share Posted July 9, 2015 Do you get a letter with your discounts in your stateroom on embarkation day? Did you get your Platinum and Emerald gifts on the first cruise at that level? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jticarruthers Posted July 9, 2015 Report Share Posted July 9, 2015 We received our platinum and emerald pins in our cabins on the ship when we reached that level (dropped off on the desk by the cabin steward I am guessing) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jerel Posted July 9, 2015 Report Share Posted July 9, 2015 Congrats on making it that far, thats allot of trips, they should be throwing you a party. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WAAAYTOOO Posted July 10, 2015 Report Share Posted July 10, 2015 I think we got our D+ pins in the mail....although I am not entirely positive about that. It has been my experience that C&A is very poor with recognition...which is supposed to be one of your "perks". We were never even acknowledged when we reached Diamond or Diamond Plus. I guess I don't really care that much about being recognized anyway. As long as the bennies are where/what they should be. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Posted July 10, 2015 Report Share Posted July 10, 2015 It has been my experience that C&A is very poor with recognition...which is supposed to be one of your "perks". The one perk that has been inconsistently delivered is the gift for my daughter that we should be getting on embarkation day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jticarruthers Posted July 10, 2015 Report Share Posted July 10, 2015 Everything is inconsistent for us, except receiving the pins that we didn't know about and don't care about. Will be turning diamond on our next cruise, as long as I get the free drinks going forward all will be forgiven though. I don't think our son has received a gift since the very first cruise he went on when he got an RCI bag. Never been offered the robes in the cabin, have to politely ask every cruise, meanwhile three sets of friends we have cruised with (none of whom made Platinum yet) have all gotten robes offered to them and/or in their room when they first went in. Doesn't really bother me, but why have a loyalty program and offer "perks" if you don't bother to a) give them out and b) limit them to people who have earned them so that they are in fact "perks". NY Cruiser19 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CelebrationFlCruiser Posted July 10, 2015 Author Report Share Posted July 10, 2015 WOW Thank you for all the great information. It's interesting that the program that was instigated by Royal Caribbean to give recognition to those who continue to cruise it's line, is not that responsive to the needs of those that continue to use them. We now have been told that we should have received a crystal award that was to be presented by the staff of the ship that it was received on. Didn't happen. Now they say they can not present it to us in a recognition meeting because the opportunity was missed. They said they would order us one to be mailed, but they said the cavet, no promises. The C & A rep put me on hold and came back and said that a number of people acually refuse the award because they do not want the added weight of an award in thier luggage while traveling. He then went on to question me, "did you refuse the award". Implying that we had refused an award. He stated in that case they, C & A, would not attempt to re-give it to us. I assured him that if ever C & A or anyone on the Ship attempted to give us anything, be it an award or item or service, we would gladly accept it without question, Especially an earned award. So, they were attempting to blame me (us) for refusing the award and taking the responsibility away from themselves. They then added that on our next few cruises that we should get another crystal award and if we don't get it on board the ship, we should call C & A and let them know. That is not going to happen. Now they want us to tell them what it is that they didn't provide us as a recongnition at a presentation event, and they will just mail it to us. But not before, trying to shift the responsibility for not providing the award, to those that are recieving the award. Not happening. In all our cruising, and "earning" all our points, C & A has never, never given us pins, awards, or recognition at any of their on board parties or events. Now they are accusing us of causing their lack of giving us awards. Most people save for months, and many, years to cruise to an exotic port and get an all enclusive vacation experience. It seems that everytime we cruise, more and more, things, items, are being eroded away for the good of the profits, shareholders, salaries, ect. A while back, we can remember getting more "freebee" items left in our stateroom, shampoo-conditioner-hand lotion being in our stateroom, the choice of to give, or not to give gratuities (to now a manditiory salary fee) to now, less and less items and service. The cruise we took after Royal Caribbean chose to automatically charge us for what they call gratuities, I was continuing to tip everyone that got in front of us. So, we were double and sometimes triple tipping. I later was told that it was an automatic charge and I could not have it taken off my bill. I could however, move some of the monies to someone on the ship that showed better service, but they would not take the charge of our bill. This was not a gratuity, it is a fee or added or hidden charge. When you times what they were taking from us and you add our manditory gratuities, then times it per room, per person, that adds up to an astronomical amount. We cruisers are paying the salaries now, of the crew. Why should the crew give outstanding service if they know they will get a gratuity from each and every cruiser, whether the provided good, or bad service? I also just recently learned that if you own 100 or more shares of Royal Caribbean stock you are entitled to a money bonus each time you cruise. We own 100 or more shares. So I was told to document the ownership, fill out a form and they would have the credit on our stateroom on our next cruise. Just got an email from them that states that since we were getting other advertized bonuses (ie: 50% off the second cruiser, 30/30, ect.) that we were not entitled to any monies for owning shares. Or, we could take the $50 to $100 and loose all the other bonuses. How is that an incentive to own stock? The next time our financial people tell us to sell the Royal Caribbean stock, we will be more inclined to agree. I am getting tired of learning that there is something that we didn't get, then told to jump through some more hoops, only be told no. It is our fault for not knowing, since they missed it, it is now not available, or because you accepted this bonus you are not entitled to that bonus. I am tired of excused and miss direction. We at moments like this, we just stop asking. We are tired of them telling us we should have, could have, would have, and then not provide it at all and then try to shift the responsibily to us. We have now decided that we like Royal Caribbean more than we don't, and are saying to ourselves the added perks and bonuses really don't matter that much. We still get things added on our stateroom cards and we like cruising (even though it seems, even the crew are not sure what all the bonuses are on our cards). But, service and recognition is what will keep the loyal cruisers to come back. It took us a while to get to Diamond Level, then they create Diamond Plus and, the "how do you ever attain", Pinnacle Level. It seems Royal Caribbean continues to figure out how to provide less and charge more. Currently we as cruisers (customers), still feel that Royal Caribbean does a good job delivering a product that we want. But, after spending thousands of dollars, bad service, not getting items or services, having to pay more for items not seen, we sometimes queston, "why did we do that". Or at least attempt to do that. We don't like cruising with a lot of children (ours are adults now) but, we like Disney's goal, go beyond what is expected. Give the WOW they attempt to advertise. Now when the cruise is over we do not say WOW. We go over the pluses and minuses of the positive vs the negative experiences and then see if we want to book again. So far the pluses (positives) have outnumbered the minuses (negatives). I don't normally complain or stand in line to get something changed, we just go away (and don't do it again), or change to a like company providing the same service and avoid the one that caused us grief. But the more I point out the inconsistancies in the promised things and what is provided, the more people we find the same things have happened to them. They find out they were promised something and then told they missed it or no, they are not entitled to it. Back to service, people and families, that have saved and sacrificed to get to a point where they have thousands to spend on a vacation only to, either be told they do not qualify for something, need to now, get to the next pin level, or just to be repeatedly told "no" we do not provide that or you will be charged more, will after the vacation think back on their experiences and next year or next cruise, will choose a same or different destination with a different company. It continually seems Royal Caribbean is trying to make the same or more dollars on other things (ie: gratuities (salary for their service), drinks, pictures, excursions, ect.) rather than the actual cruise experience. It may become just too expensive and not fun anymore for the cruisers. We cruise to have fun, not to be charged for more and more things getting less and less service. And now added with not getting the things that are promised for achieving loyalty status levels, is adding to our and others discontent. When we get off the ship, where we have left thousands of our dollars, we expect to feel good about it and that it was money well spent. Sorry for such a long post. And again, thank you, for all those that have taken the time to read this and have offered solutions and suggestions and just sharing their own experiences on this topic. Matt, Booly100, Galveston Steve and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monctonguy Posted July 10, 2015 Report Share Posted July 10, 2015 I am going to be Platinum during my next cruise so I don't expect I will get anything on this one, but for the next one I am hoping to get some recognition of some sorts, or at least what I am supposed to get as part of being Platinum. Then it should only be about 2 more cruises and I will hit Emerald. (doing some solo cruises makes the points add up faster) I would hope that Royal Caribbean would continue to reward their loyal cruisers and show at least a little interest towards us. That being said, my last cruise was the first time I was invited to the "welcome back party", even though it was my 6th cruise. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Posted July 10, 2015 Report Share Posted July 10, 2015 I am going to be Platinum during my next cruise so I don't expect I will get anything on this one, but for the next one I am hoping to get some recognition of some sorts, or at least what I am supposed to get as part of being Platinum. Then it should only be about 2 more cruises and I will hit Emerald. (doing some solo cruises makes the points add up faster) We had our Platinum pins waiting for us in our stateroom. Hope you at least get that. monctonguy 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monctonguy Posted July 10, 2015 Report Share Posted July 10, 2015 Well I will see in about 125 days what happens...not that I am counting or anything to my next cruise..lol Once I hit platinum, I know there are some balcony and suite discounts. Is it generally a set amount or a percentage or it varies all over the place? Reason why I ask is I am looking at booking a cruise for Feb...but I will become Platinum on my Nov cruise, so wondering if I should wait till back from that cruise and officially Platinum before I start looking at Feb cruises prices if its going to be a worthwhile discount?! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CelebrationFlCruiser Posted July 10, 2015 Author Report Share Posted July 10, 2015 "Hope you at least get that." That's not much to look forward to :) As we have not gotten any of our pins (with the exception of on our last cruise the Diamond Lounge person, Allen, gave us Diamond pins) we do not expect anything, nothing. Thinking about this just makes be upset. Just heard that Royal Caribbean is now going to change the services and benefits of the suites tier system. This ususally means less services and you now have to pay more for the old services already provided. Somethng needs to change in their loyalty department. A different way of approaching things. Not, there's now more people achieving the different levels so, let's tier the benefits so less people get the services and benefits. And, there are so many at the diamond and diamond plus level, let's make the next level almost unattainable. Let's make that level so many points away from Diamond Plus that only a few, multi-generation, familys, can ever achieve it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CelebrationFlCruiser Posted July 10, 2015 Author Report Share Posted July 10, 2015 monctonguyThe way I understand it, and take into consideration I may be wrong, but you do not get any benefits of a level until you actually attain it. So given that, wait until you reach the next level, and C & A acknowlege it, before you book your next cruise. Or, better yet, call them and clairify. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CelebrationFlCruiser Posted July 10, 2015 Author Report Share Posted July 10, 2015 It's getting harder and harder to know what you should be getting, and what you are not entitled to be getting. Even the phone people and the people on the ships are not sure. Even when you take a printed copy of the benefits with you, they argue with you. They used to give you a printed coupon. That was hard to dispute. Now the benefits are only to be seen by staff on your cruise card. So, it is hard to track what is there and what is used and what is available and what....... Hey wait, we are on a cruise. This sounds too much like work. All it would take is a "make it simple" approach to this massive, seemingly, out of control issue regarding loyal customers (ie: levels, tiers, the color of your sea pass, ect.). This is a slippery slope when the company wants more money out of the same, expected services and the paying customer, that has numerous opportunites and choices to spend thier monies with like companies. What if a company offered a no gratuity, all enclusive cruise? Oh wait, there are companies that do that. Booly100 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jticarruthers Posted July 10, 2015 Report Share Posted July 10, 2015 The Balcony/Suite discount is not a bad perk but its heavily weighted towards longer cruises and higher status levels. There is a break point as well, if you book with less than 6 months before the cruise you get a lower discount. For platinum I believe the current program is: 3-5 Night cruise - $50 if more than 6 months out, $25 if less than 6 months out 6-9 Night cruise - $100 / $75 10+ nights - $200/$175 Discount is per cabin and may or may not be combinable with other sales that might be running. Also if you book and then try to add your discount later (IE book now and then add discount after you attain Platinum) it SHOULD trigger a reprice which would hurt you if the price has increased in between. I say SHOULD because some people still report getting the benefit added without a reprice but the rules are pretty clear that it should trigger a reprice. monctonguy 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WAAAYTOOO Posted July 10, 2015 Report Share Posted July 10, 2015 So many of these woes have been voiced so many times on the boards lately. I DO hope that the RCI people read these posts from time-to-time b/c there is a consistent trend (unfortunately) in the same, WRONG direction. Paying more and getting less. As I read above, why would you have a loyalty program and taut it so highly and then fail to deliver the soooo small perks that the program advertises ? It's really just an insult to those who work so hard to attain them. One of the changes that I have still NEVER gotten over are the personalized, self-adhesive luggage tags that we used to get routinely. Now they are only available to Pinnacle and suites guests or those who want to pay $35 to get their cruise docs in the mail. Really ?? Are they THAT expensive ? I would (and HAVE !) paid for them if they are THAT expensive. Just charge another couple of bucks in the cruise fare and send us the dadgum luggage tags ! Ice sculptures ? Gone. Fruit sculptures ? Gone. Basic bathroom toiletries ? Gone. Adhesive luggage tags ? Gone. $5 Match play at the casino ? Gone. Cruise fare prices ? WAY HIGHER. MANDATORY gratuities ? Increased. MANDATORY gratuities on drinks from the bar ? UP 15% to 18%. I'll just blame it all on Obamacare. (JOKE) Booly100 and Galveston Steve 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DocLC Posted July 10, 2015 Report Share Posted July 10, 2015 I'll admit that I miss the branded gifts that us lowly Platinums use to get. In fact, I'm traveling right now and am using my branded Royal Caribbean Liberty of the Seas hanging toiletry bag right now. And in reality, they don't cost them that much given the quantity that they're ordering. That said, I'm paying significantly less for my cruises today when you factor in inflation than ever before, so I can handle reductions in service, soda not being included with dinner as it use to be, and the like. Thus, you can now pay for what you want rather than paying a higher fare that includes things you may never use. If I want some of what's been taken away, I can go to some of the luxury lines, but I'm going to pay much more for it for a higher level of service. Regarding the gratuities, while any increase is disappointing, I'm not sure I'd say a 3% increase in mandatory gratuities is a deal breaker especially considering how long it's been since an increase, if ever on the bar side, and the cost of inflation. What makes this seem intolerable is that it came at the same time as price increases elsewhere. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CelebrationFlCruiser Posted July 10, 2015 Author Report Share Posted July 10, 2015 DocLC The perks must mean something. You value your bag, and to be honest, it was a way for Royal Caribbean to move old and not moving stock and create memories. They spend a lot on advertising and this was great advertising. Also you say a 3% raise in tips is not that significant. And then they make it manditory. Who charges you a manditory tip and at a fixed rate for everyone? And then, tier the dollar amount to what room you are in? Why are people charged more or less depending on what room your in? A tip is a tip. Tips should not be tiered. And keep in mind it is not a stateroom manditory charge, it's a per person manditory charge. Each ship has a different capacity but each stateroom has at least 2 people in it, some more. That equates to a lot of extra money. Does all that money filter back to the actual workers? It is just another charge that is billed as something else and adds to the overall cost of a cruise. Is it a deal breaker? They do it because they can. And slowly more and more perks are removed and no longer available. Royal Caribbean is one of, if not the most successful cruise lines. They are at capacity and continue to build more and more mega ships. When Royal Caribbean pulls into port, everyone sees dollar signs. Thousands of people pore into the ports. This is a Suppy and Demand issue. They are full. The Demand exceeds the Supply. As long as this continues, everything you see will continue and probably not get better. They are still a first rate company with a first rate staff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CelebrationFlCruiser Posted July 10, 2015 Author Report Share Posted July 10, 2015 A cruise ship is like the gambling casino. The odds are in their favor, but every once in a while you get something, but just enough to keep you coming back. Just kidding. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monctonguy Posted July 10, 2015 Report Share Posted July 10, 2015 Ok..thanks for the info. So I logged in my C&A account to look over the perks etc....thought I would go and look at the "deals" we get on cruises from the C/A site...supposed to be up to 25% off......discount taken at payment. I went through 2 different bookings....NO difference or savings from booking it not logged in as a C&A member..... Anyone else notice this or have had an issue with this?? I got to tell you, finding "deals" is like pulling teeth with RCI it seems. Nothing is easy. Is it just a website glitch that they are known for or? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WAAAYTOOO Posted July 10, 2015 Report Share Posted July 10, 2015 That's part of the miracle of marketing. Up to 25% means anywhere from 0 - 25...so 0 is within that range. The ONLY benefit I have ever gotten as far as cruise fare prices as a result of my C&A level is the balcony discount and OBC (when I have booked onboard). Otherwise...absolutely nothing more. I did get an upgrade once (my first cruise as a D+) where they moved me from a Boardwalk balcony (B1) to a water view (outside) balcony (D1) but that had nothing to do with the fare. So...I wouldn't be expecting any cruise fare discounts based on my C&A rating...I don't think they will be coming. I DO, however, receive a significant cruise fare discount on EVERY cruise (excepting the Harmony) based on my Club Royale rating. That has become WAY more important to me (cost-wise and perks-wise) than ANYthing C&A ever thought of doing for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jticarruthers Posted July 10, 2015 Report Share Posted July 10, 2015 The C&A % discount is only on very specific cruises, basically its a special discount rate like a resident rate or law enforcement rate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monctonguy Posted July 10, 2015 Report Share Posted July 10, 2015 Strange... C&A log in, I click on Members Area, then special offers, then Exclusive Rates...and it indicates that even with gold status there are savings up to 25%.....when you click on the button that takes you to the cruises, there are no deals. I have looked at 5 different ones, and no savings compared to non-members. Seems to me very misleading or deceptive...they advertise all over the C&A site that we get "Exclusive Rates", yet when I click "see cruises" under that banner...NO difference in pricing. Would be curious to see if anyone with the Platinum or higher level logs in there actually sees discounted rates over what's posted on the regular site.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WAAAYTOOO Posted July 10, 2015 Report Share Posted July 10, 2015 Never. Ever. See above...up to 25% means 0 - 25.... I did receive a military discount once...long time ago....and I got a state discount once....but those had nothing to do with a C&A discount. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CelebrationFlCruiser Posted July 11, 2015 Author Report Share Posted July 11, 2015 If the discount is 0-25% and the actual discount is always 0%, then why not go to a much better discount like up to 50-75%, and then only offer 0%. They can say anyting because you can't see the price offered to everyone, unless you sign out and then sign back in as a new person (not a Crown & Anchor member). Beginning to sound like a used car sales tactic. Tell them your offering them an exceptional discount and then offer no discount or even charge more. By the way, what is a Club Royale rating and discount? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DocLC Posted July 11, 2015 Report Share Posted July 11, 2015 I can't argue with your points, CelebrationFlCruiser. I do wish the price was more inclusive, but I also feel the same way with the airlines. Charging extra for baggage when it use to be included in your airline ticket seems like a similar money grab. Unfortunately, I think that both the cruise lines and the airlines know that consumers shop by price and can ignore the extras when price sensitive. And while I use the bag because it is functional, I also drifted away from Royal for about 9 years, so the perks weren't enough to keep me although I am now "loyal to royal" once again--my first cruise line--with three upcoming cruises booked on the line. Keep in mind that most cruise lines--except for the ultra luxury lines where the gratuities/service charges are included--charge a daily service charge/gratuity fee. And some lines don't even allow for you to adjust or cancel the fee. I really just see this as Royal doing what the other lines are already doing even though I've never been a huge fan of the mandatory fees even though I've always paid them and more. And if the fees weren't being passed on to the crew, I'm sure we'd hear about it and there'd be a class action lawsuit by now. Of course, other lines suggest that some of the fee may go into crew morale and development, which then suggests there's a cushion for the money to be used elsewhere, although I don't believe this is the case for Royal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CelebrationFlCruiser Posted July 11, 2015 Author Report Share Posted July 11, 2015 Clearly Royal Caribbean needs people on an administrative level with a different skill set. Compairing manditory gratuities to airline baggage fees and airline policies or to justify things by saying "most of the other cruise line companies are doing it" so that is why we are doing it. They keep repeating this to justify a bad policy. This is just an example of bad PR. My young children used to justify things like that. Johnny or Mary are doing it so I should do it. Royal Caribbean should be the leader in these policies, not just a follower. But, this is a Supply and Demand issue, or a case of charge what the market will bear. Their ships are at or above capacity. The suites sell out first. Why offer more perks, when they take them away, there is little to no effect on the bottom dollar. We too took a break from cruising because we just decided not to. Currently we are back, but new policies (ie: less benefits, less perks, manditory gratuities, ect, ect) are very disturbing. Our decision to cruise again, at our current rate was fueled by a not so good cruise. We either were not going to cruise again or go for the next level and then decide if we were going to continue. So, we are on a quest to get to Diamond Plus. When we reach that goal, at our next cruise, we will re-assess the benefits, perks, and revisit the gratuity issue. Then we will either continue cruising or only cruise on special occasions. I miss coming back from dinner and finding a special something branded from Royal Caribbean on our bed, I miss the shampoo/conditioner/hand cream in our bathroom, I miss all the perks and special attention given to the loyal cruisers that have spent tens of thousands to get to the upper levels of the loyalty program, only to be told " the reserved seating is not for you, it's for Diamond Plus and Pinnacle level cruisers only". And I am tired of, at each roll out of a new benefit program, intermingled in all the PR, we as loyal cruisers continue to loose ground with perks and benefits. Royal Caribbean's solution is to bypass the loyality program and start booking the suites. They now are advetizing that they will have more benefits and perks with the suite level of cruising. When the cruise ships are dry docked for renovation guess what they are doing? Add more suites, getting more revenue per sailing. This is what the top cruising company should be doing along with catering to the crowd that has stayed with them and continues to fund their coffers. Currently, they do not have to do anything or keep reducing the "freebies" because the bottom line is they are at capacity. Their ships are booked. Only when the industry is scrambling for customers do they add more benefits and perks. Currently this is not the case. After we hit Diamond Plus, we will re-evaluate our vacation choices. Getting recognized as a loyalty person is nice (ie: pins and rewards) however it is the " how you feel when you leave the ship" that determines returning. Are you actually being treated that differently from a $500 room to a $2,000 room. The balcony and size are nice but, is the staff better responsive? Did you feel that the cruise was worth the expense (ie; effort to get to and from the ship, the monies charged, the issues that happened, ect.)? It is all about handeling and meeting the needs and wants of the thousands of people on board a ship at any given time. I would think that everything needs to be handled like the "Bell Curve" or as Royal Caribbean calls it, "Tiered Award" systems. Now it seems you can bypass all the thousands of dollars (and for some, hundred of thousands) and just when you want to go and be treated 1st class, just book a suite. Then you get all the perks and benefits and actually you seem to be treated better than the loyal customers. We are now booking suites to get the same feel that the Diamond level and below levels used to be, or feel like. And quite frankly when people do this, they then are not looking for a specific cruise line, they are looking for the best port and "bang for your buck" cruise. It's a juggling act. How do you keep the loyal customers and not loose them and yet have new cruisers have that same great experience as the upper level pin holders? Their answer: Suites. Hence, the new roll out of increased benefits and perks for the suites. They seem to have an endless supply of customers eager to book and cruise. I came from a city population of less than 7,500. Now the ships meet or exceed this number. They are cruising cities. And, like a city of that size, have the same issues. Managing that, so the majority has a good feeling upon leaving, is a true juggling act. So we are back to, why should Royal Caribbean up the benefit programs for loyal customers when thier cruise ships are at capacity? And, they have reduced the perks and benefits, with little to no effect on the financial spread sheet. "Supply and Demand" or "Charge What the Market Will Bear" Let's see what Royal Caribbean's Diamond Plus feels like". One more cruise. Booly100 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Galveston Steve Posted July 13, 2015 Report Share Posted July 13, 2015 There are some pretty disappointing stories here. Most of us are supposed to be Royal Caribbean's best customers, yet many feel unappreciated. I hope they wake up soon and figure out how to truly run a loyalty program that makes their best customers feel special. There is a gold mine of "lessons learned" in just the above posts, not to mention elsewhere on these message boards and Royal Caribbean could learn a lot here. Another take-away from the above posts is that as a Royal Caribbean Blog participant I am now better informed and know what to expect from RCI as a Crown & Anchor member. If they don't deliver on the promises of the program, I will work my way up the chain of command until they either deliver or at least they know that I am not a happy cruiser. We have always received a sheet in our cabin with a listing of the C&A offers that were loaded on our seapass, and have always been invited to the welcome back receptions. I have also seen a C&A discount on some of the cruise pricing on the website, and received this discount on a recent booking. My issue is that most of these "perks" are quite small... a cup of coffee or a free glass of wine isn't worth a lot. That small perk would be so much more meaningful if it were delivered properly... for example, if I went to Cafe Lattetudes, ordered a cup of coffee, and had the server say something like "Mr. ____ I see that you are a Platinum member. Let me redeem your coupon and get you this cup for free as a small token of our appreciation for your Loyalty to Royal Caribbean." That would mean SO much more to me than leaving it up to ME to remember to ASK for it, and HOPE it was actually loaded on my seapass. It's a little thing but the technology is there to make these perks much more personal and meaningful than the few dollars that they actually save me on the cruise. We turned Platinum on our last cruise. Like monctonguy it will be interesting to see how our pins are delivered on our next cruise. LanaH 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Galveston Steve Posted July 13, 2015 Report Share Posted July 13, 2015 Strange... C&A log in, I click on Members Area, then special offers, then Exclusive Rates...and it indicates that even with gold status there are savings up to 25%.....when you click on the button that takes you to the cruises, there are no deals. I have looked at 5 different ones, and no savings compared to non-members. Seems to me very misleading or deceptive...they advertise all over the C&A site that we get "Exclusive Rates", yet when I click "see cruises" under that banner...NO difference in pricing. Would be curious to see if anyone with the Platinum or higher level logs in there actually sees discounted rates over what's posted on the regular site.... I am Platinum and have seen the discount on the website a few times. For our 2016 Alaska cruise I originally booked it through Royal Caribbean's website and received a $100 discount as a "C&A Balcony Suite Discount" with the BOGOHO sale. It was applied automatically when I was logged in. Then they announced the 30 for 30 sale and I re-booked through my normal travel agent but the C&A discount dropped to $70 (same cabin, same dates). So yes, I can verify that the discount does actually exist but not on all sailings. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Booly100 Posted July 15, 2015 Report Share Posted July 15, 2015 Strange... C&A log in, I click on Members Area, then special offers, then Exclusive Rates...and it indicates that even with gold status there are savings up to 25%.....when you click on the button that takes you to the cruises, there are no deals. I have looked at 5 different ones, and no savings compared to non-members. Seems to me very misleading or deceptive...they advertise all over the C&A site that we get "Exclusive Rates", yet when I click "see cruises" under that banner...NO difference in pricing. Would be curious to see if anyone with the Platinum or higher level logs in there actually sees discounted rates over what's posted on the regular site.... ...about 6 years looking at the same section your checking and their has never been a cruise in it! Another Royal Caribbean let down. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Booly100 Posted July 15, 2015 Report Share Posted July 15, 2015 We turned Platinum on our last cruise. Like monctonguy it will be interesting to see how our pins are delivered on our next cruise. In fairness we just got Platinum too, and the room attendant had our badge nicely placed on our bed at turn-down, a couple of nights in. Same for my now Emerald mother and father-in-law. It was a nice touch. I also liked getting the booklets with discount vouchers. I spent a sea day every holiday with my wife and my booklet in my pocket going around the boat using all we could- especially the food and drink ones. It was a lot less transparent this time round, i'm not sure the bar staff were bothered- or on further thinking- if the staff reduce a bill, they reduce the gratuity.... mmmmnnn- food for thought. In general most of the bar staff were dire this cruise on the Explorer. It was like pulling teeth trying to get anything. I think Royal Caribbean are on a slippery slope with the mandatory gratuities. Sorry, slightly off track there... LanaH 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CelebrationFlCruiser Posted July 15, 2015 Author Report Share Posted July 15, 2015 Since we have never gotten an award (I have heard there are crystal awards and the like) or pin on our quest to Diamond Plus and beyond, someone sent me a picture of a Diamond Plus pin. So at least I'll have a picture of what one looks like. We are hitting Diamond Plus on our next cruise, we are doing a back-to-back-to-back to get to that level. We'll see if we don't get that pin either :) Galveston Steve 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Galveston Steve Posted July 15, 2015 Report Share Posted July 15, 2015 I think Royal Caribbean are on a slippery slope with the mandatory gratuities. Sorry, slightly off track there... I must agree and have posted similarly after our cruise last year. There was something magical about a crew that anticipated a face to face exchange of envelopes on the last day. That drove better service in my opinion. Making it automatic is more convenient for all parties involved but takes that incentive away. LanaH and Booly100 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DocLC Posted July 15, 2015 Report Share Posted July 15, 2015 Just curious . . . I assume you receive your pin on the next cruise after you've qualified, correct, since the points don't get counted until after the completion of the cruise. Is this correct? I'll turn Emerald 3 days into a 12 night cruise, but I'm guessing I won't receive the pin until I sail on the Liberty afterwards. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WAAAYTOOO Posted July 15, 2015 Report Share Posted July 15, 2015 Yes, Doc. That has been my experience. They do not officially recognize you until AFTER you have made the next level. Actually, they never even acknowledged us even AFTER we achieved the next level but they definitely do not bestow any bennies forward....so you should receive your pin on the next cruise. DocLC 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Posted July 16, 2015 Report Share Posted July 16, 2015 Ok..thanks for the info. So I logged in my C&A account to look over the perks etc....thought I would go and look at the "deals" we get on cruises from the C/A site...supposed to be up to 25% off......discount taken at payment. I went through 2 different bookings....NO difference or savings from booking it not logged in as a C&A member..... Anyone else notice this or have had an issue with this?? I got to tell you, finding "deals" is like pulling teeth with RCI it seems. Nothing is easy. Is it just a website glitch that they are known for or? You have to select the C&A discount and that might be referring to what used to be called savings certificates. In the C&A site are a list of special rates for C&A members. I took advantage of one for Jewel of the Seas a few years ago. I'll admit they are pretty well hidden. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Booly100 Posted July 16, 2015 Report Share Posted July 16, 2015 You have to select the C&A discount and that might be referring to what used to be called savings certificates. In the C&A site are a list of special rates for C&A members. I took advantage of one for Jewel of the Seas a few years ago. I'll admit they are pretty well hidden. That's interesting- I didn't know that and will have to go looking for them.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monctonguy Posted July 16, 2015 Report Share Posted July 16, 2015 I have been looking for them for the past 2 months with no luck. I know that I did book one cruise in the past that actually listed my C&A discount..and that was on a inside room. But I was not looking for that, just happened to get it on the date I was booking. I am pretty computer savvy....and if I have spent hours looking and comparing...and called RCI asking where and how to find these deals and NOONE has been able to show me one yet....then I think that's pretty deceptive. I would love for someone to go in there and actually find a booking that gives a discount based on Gold Status..if you do..please let me know asap so I can go and take a look.....seeing is believing. I can't think of any other company or website I have used for buying or booking anything that was so deceptive about their "sales" or "deals" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Posted July 16, 2015 Report Share Posted July 16, 2015 They hide the C&A deals so that the general public can't see them, which I understand. But you would think the deals would be easy to find once logged in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CelebrationFlCruiser Posted July 16, 2015 Author Report Share Posted July 16, 2015 They hide them so well that it is hard to tell if they even gave them to you. I called on an upcoming cruise when I couldn't find what they said we got. The quote was "it was absorbed into the total package and you will not be able to see it". If you look at the new advertizing PR, they are offering half of the 2nd cruiser with free upgraded staterooms and free gratutities (manditory fee), or free on-board credit, or free ??? This is only on specific ships and of course we already booked on one them, and guess what, if we take the new promos, we loose our other perks. What a deal. We have been cruising with Royal Caribbean for decades and have never, never been upgraded to anything. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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