In a move that most of us knew had to happen, Royal Caribbean International recently announced that Crown & Anchor Diamond members will no longer enjoy Concierge Lounge access on its ships effective July 1. This change along with others was recently announced on their website. Suite guests and Diamond Plus members of RCI’s Crown & Anchor Society will continue to enjoy Concierge access on ships that have the lounges. Not all of them do. And Diamond members will continue to enjoy access to dedicated Diamond Clubs on Freedom and Genesis Class ships.
I’ve enjoyed Concierge access as a Diamond member and will miss this benefit. However, I understand the reasons behind the move. Frankly, the lounges were just too crowded. As the popularity of cruising has evolved, the number of people obtaining Diamond status (10 cruise credits) has increased. I’ll continue to choose Royal Caribbean ahead of other cruise lines, and obtain Diamond Plus status soon enough.
Personally when the price is right I like the benefits on Princess. $150.00 (2) Internet credit – Now there is a reward that you can use?
My better half also likes the coin laundry as she doesn’t trust the ship laundry (hot water).
Celebrity is okay but I think RCCL was jealous and have cut back on them! (Just did the Antartic on the Infinity)
My only issue is that this benefit should not have been stripped away from those Diamond members with existing bookings. Once I’m aware of a new rule, then it’s my choice to book or not book with RCCL again. But I believe that RCCL should honor the rule existing at the time a booking was made. I booked a cruise in August 2008 on Oasis for a 2010 sail date–more than one year before the new rule was to be implemented. The prior benefit should stand.
John,
Thanks for reading the blog. RCL has modified its proposed changes somewhat. I don’t know if these make things more palatable for you or not.
As for other cruise lines, we like Celebrity (owned by RCL) and I intend to give Princess a try at some point. If you want to step “up market” a bit, give Crystal Cruises a shot. Expensive, but worth it.
[…] of the recently announced changes to its loyalty program, the Crown & Anchor Society. As I posted recently, Royal Caribbean has announced that Crown & Anchor Diamond members will be losing access to […]
I’m with Taylor Grand…my wife and I are very unhappy about the lost benefit. We have one RCCL cruise booked that we can’t get out of and when we go on this one we’re done with RCCL. Any siggestion on other cruise lines anyone?
I liked having the benefit, but understand the reason behind their decision. There simply was not enough room in the lounge on the occasions that I’ve sailed on CL equipped ships. I’d rather have access than not, of course. We are closing in on Diamond Plus, and then we’ll be back in…until they take it away from that level too. In the meantime, we are sailing on Liberty soon, and will look forward to Diamond Club access. That said, I’m certainly sympathetic to those who are upset with this change.
I think it’s a terrible business move by RCCL. Diamonds are their most loyal customers and in tough economic times they are taking away the best perk in the program. I was loyal to Royal, but they are not being loyal to me. They should have at least grandfathered existing diamond members. Well, unless the perk returns, I’m going to explore other lines.
Will find out in 52 days!!! Looking forward to that Liberty of the Seas cruise!
Tell you the truth, even though I haven’t stepped in one, the Diamond Lounge on the newer ships seems nicer than hte concierge lounge, simply because its up in the Viking Crown.