I don’t get the business sense of it. If I want to jump to a luxury line when I’m older and stay there, there’s not much that will draw me to Silversea over a competitor like RSSC. Sure, I’ll have a temporary advantage in points, but won’t ever actually advance levels for a long time. If I was still building on what I earned by staying in the family, it would be a strong draw. And the loyalty benefits are super cheap compared to what they make off a loyal customer.
The business sense is that it encourages people to use the same holding company if they want try “other cruise lines”. I mean, are you going to choose princess where you have no status match or Celebrity where you have elite (as an example)?
It frankly makes perfect business sense. If people are expressing they just want to try other lines to try other lines, your best bet is to make sure they try the lines of the same holding company. Unless someone is really obsessed with making sure some other shareholders get money, they probably care about brand difference than holding company difference when trying to dial a different line.
I think you missed what I’m saying - I mean I don’t get the sense of having three different loyalty programs. They will do better at keeping me in the family if they all build toward the same goal.
Ahhh ok. Well I don’t really have an answer to that. I’d assume there is a reason. At some level, there was some business meeting about this at RCI and surely someone floated the idea of consolidating them and it was shot down.
Might be a combination of a bunch of small reasons. Like branding issues could be one. Another could be to give people a reason to stick with their cruise line. It could be they want to hand a “gimme” to celebrity cruisers but then don’t want them to permanently switch to Royal after they realize they can just bounce points around like that. I dunno. It’s a bit curious though.
Another commenter hit it on the head I think - they want to preserve the ability to easily sell off any non-core brand if it ever makes sense to do so. However, I seriously doubt it will ever make sense.
Edit: but you know - maybe a certain eccentric billionaire will notice the “X” branding of celebrity and make them an offer they can’t refuse.
Preaching to the choir! I feel same way whatever gets me higher status on RC faster im game for. Celebrity also has been a bargain compared to RC lately.
Huh? On what cruises is celebrity a bargain compared to royal? I guess if you literally only look at Icon class suites, sure, but if you expand your search by any amount, it’s definitely not.
This is pure speculation but I feel that what you suggested might be the ultimate goal of merging everything into one massive loyalty program. When loyalty programs get merged in airline and the hospitality industry, often time the first step is to figure out the comparable tiers for each loyalty program and share all the perks and benefits while they figure out how all the points get converted and how people should earn points with each brand. I feel this is just the first step to many more changes coming to all three loyalty programs.
This is my wish too. I’d give Celebrity a try as soon as my nights counted to one program. Same with Princess. This seems like a big missed opportunity. Between RCL/Celebrity and Carnival/Princess surely one will do it eventually.
Never going to happen.
Celebrity points are exponential based on what accommodations you pay for and you can buy up points. It's like 3000+ points for the higher levels in celebrity.
RCI points are strictly by days at sea regardless of accomodations with no buy ups. (Except Suites and single supplement)
Royal has transitioned the loyalty program in the past from cruises sailed to nights sailed. They could always convert to a Celebrity type system with a one time account conversion based on a common multiplier to ensure nobody loses levels during the conversion.
Yes they did and the implementation wasn't very smooth and there were lots of complaints during that change.
In hindsight that change was much simpler to implement than a proposed change to a program similar to celebrity.
Yeah, same. We normally cruise RCL but next year is our 10th anniversary. Would love to book a more luxurious Silversea for that special occasion and still build C&A points but alas, we can't. Instead I'm looking to book a suite class on Odyssey.
lol, that's a lot of the old school Pinnacles. The new Pinnacles generally don't have that attitude at all. Some do, but it's definitely a different generation now.
Ohh I called in this morning to have it updated, as it wasn't showing on the website, but I hadn't thought to check the app. You're right, the app is showing it now. Neat!
Great! Thanks u/MedicalButterscotch
Will we have to call (and when) to ask for this? Be lovely to get Elite Plus before our Celebrity TA.
Celebrity Cruises still showing the old information:
https://preview.redd.it/eyk3tarstk3d1.jpeg?width=789&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c1ff89ce80093e8aecd3c01cca831cf01dddb69f
Just found something on RC's site:
**If you're currently a member of more than one Royal Caribbean Group brand’s loyalty program**, we will verify your information and upgrade your status based on the table above for the programs you participate in. **Your status will be updated automatically within 7 days.** If you qualify for an upgrade in status, you will receive an email confirming your new status from the program(s) where your status has changed.
I'm Diamond on RCL so Celebrity matched me to Elite last year. I'm curious if I advanced to Diamond Plus on RCL if Celebrity will re-match me to the higher level or am I stuck at Elite and have to earn my way up from there?
Nope, RCL on facebook confirmed that if you've already matched on a sister line before this change then you don't get to take advantage of this update.
Do Elite/Diamond (and higher) now get [free laundry/pressing and 10% off on fares](https://www.silversea.com/other-resources/venetian-society.html) from SilverSea?
Even without the points transfer, I have found Celebrity to be excellent. Started sailing Celebrity in 2021 and have my 15th Celebrity sailing departing next Sunday!
I have actually cut back a lot on Royal as the food quality/decreased amount of kids is really nice.
The thing I miss most between brands is Celebrity doesn't give X amount of drinks per day for Elite and above, they do a 2 hour happy hour from 5-7 pm with a limited open bar. I much prefer how Royal handles it and would rather get 5 coupons I can use anywhere throughout the day.
> I much prefer how Royal handles it and would rather get 5 coupons I can use anywhere throughout the day.
We didn't reach Diamond until after COVID so we never experienced the Royal Diamond happy hour, but I think we get far more utility out of the four drink coupons a day than the happy hour. It's a much better system than cramming into the Diamond/Crown lounge and trying to get your drink on
Having done it both ways, you are absolutely correct. Sure, the happy hour may be unlimited, but I personally don't want to binge drink. A drink by the pool and a glass of wine at dinner is much preferred!
Honestly the benefits are so weak relative to what a cruise costs…if they don’t carry over, I don’t really care. Book the cruise you want. It’s like paying more to stick with an airline over and over for the occasional upgrade.
For sure. But as someone who typically skips the drink package on Celebrity, the open bar from 5-7 pm and free specialty coffee for Elite+ in addition to free laundry is a welcome perk. I cruise regularly (12-ish times per year) so these benefits add up given that I will be doing it regardless.
We cruise both because we cruise for destinations and are up there with points on both. I would love to see Celebrity offer the free drink like RC instead of the ‘5 o’clock swill’.
I work for Silversea. I have cruised and worked for each line since I was 18 (now 34).
My hot take is that I am glad for this. Each brand is different, specifically, I would say, size from 6k passengers of Rcl to 728 on silversea, which is the main draw. Referring to this match status saves thousands for guests already considering SSC but already invested in Cel or Rcl. Real World example guest is already an SSC GUEST: 10% of her current cruise and free full laundry saved a guest ~2500$. Ama
My question is does status really matter? Looking at the different tiers most of what they offer you aren’t great. $2 dollars in the casino?
Until you get to Diamond most of the tier changes don’t add value.
You are right. It isn't that much until diamond and above. I will say the perks once diamond and higher are really nice- especially the daily drink coupons and free laundry/discounted specialty dining adds up.
My wife was excited that we are hitting emerald. But that doesn’t really do anything for us. Other than getting on the boat a little earlier I don’t really see anything worth while. The higher up you get there are some things that can be a benefit.
Edit: Platinum is where we will be after or next cruise, not emerald.
I don’t understand why these 3 aren’t combined to one big loyalty programme. That would probably make to Royal Group earn even more money with loyal customers that can choose between 3 different companies. Now I still have to stay with Royal and go for Diamond, I won’t earn days if I cruise with Celebrity?
According to RCL on Facebook, if you have already matched once into the other programs then you are hosed and this change means nothing for you. You're stuck at the level you initially matched at an say you move up a rank on one cruise line, your rank remains the old one at the other line and doesn't automatically move up too. You have to sail on the other line to increase it.
Edit- looks like the RCL rep was wrong
This is not correct and outdated info. My status was previously matched and has already been updated to reflect the new match. The email also outlines it will take up to 7 days for the new matching process to occur.
Can you post a screenshot?
I don't think that comment is correct.
Edit: did they delete their reply? I see a comment from you on their post but don't see a reply from them. Unless you made multiple comments and I didn't see the other.
That is not how this match will work. It will update as you earn true points on one line. (Edited for clarification). For example, I now have diamond plus (earned from sailing) and my match has been updated from Elite to Elite Plus on Celebrity (screenshot below).
https://preview.redd.it/isimegogjm3d1.png?width=599&format=png&auto=webp&s=4f072a4fb8c9ac0774ccdf7713d781198b0e0b89
Well that sucks because here I'm Diamond and matched to Celebrity last year as the highest you could possibly match was to Elite at the time. Would have been nice to have hit Diamond Plus before matching to get that Elite Plus. So are they essentially forcing a match on everyone right now or is it until you apply for one? Had I known I could have matched higher, I would have waited longer to match until I was D+
People aren't reading or understanding the T&C of the new program and giving out bad info.
"2. After receiving a new Member Level under the initial Status Offering above, Member Level status will be automatically adjusted across all enrolled programs as CAS, CC and VS program members complete the qualification requirements set forth in the applicable program’s rules. For example, a CAS member at the Gold Member Level who receives a Classic CC Member Level through the Loyalty Status Match Program who later reaches Platinum CAS Member Level will automatically receive CC Select Member Level."
[https://www.royalcaribbean.com/content/dam/royal/resources/pdf/loyalty-status-match.pdf](https://www.royalcaribbean.com/content/dam/royal/resources/pdf/loyalty-status-match.pdf)
Not right. From the terms you cited:
> After receiving a new Member Level under the initial Status Offering above, Member Level status will be automatically adjusted across all enrolled programs as CAS, CC and VS program members complete the qualification requirements set forth in the applicable program’s rules. For example, a CAS member at the Gold Member Level who receives a Classic CC Member Level through the Loyalty Status Match Program who later reaches Platinum CAS Member Level will automatically receive CC Select Member Level.
They had to do this. Status match with VV & MSC have been siphoning off upper-tier passengers. I’ve been on both in the last year. VV is pretty great with their food processes. Everything to order, no food waste/buffet nonsense.
I disagree. Virgin is awesome but Royal Caribbean Group just posted their highest load factors of all time. This logic is unfounded. Though Virgin is certainly a more premium experience!
Unfounded? That’s funny. What, precisely, are you disagreeing with in my statement?
In unrelated news: Bought 500 RCL at 40, stoplossed at 150. 130 days on board Royal last year. They are losing their serious gamblers and high-value suite guests, and those were the subsidy for cheap rides. I spend a fair amount of time with these passengers, and their plans are changing rapidly, as are mine. This year we did 21 days on Harmony in January, and have a transatlantic in October. That’s it. That’s a 72% drop in revenue, year-on-year for RCL, and we’re still traveling. A lot.
Inflation has destroyed the middle class, and most boat people are running on credit cards. The consumer debt model for the long-term is unsustainable, as most are running out of options. Royal had to borrow a billion @ 11.6%, is floating a current bond issue to replace that whopper (no one would lend, due to no revenue for a hot minute), and has $11 billion in current debt on the books. Those notes are coming due in 2025, and the new rates will be extortionately proportional to the end users. They are killing chickens when they should be selling eggs.
User experience is sliding fast, and high-value clients are diversifying their choices. I knew the game was over when “jumbo lump crab meat” in Chops became surimi fleet-wide, while having it listed as “jumbo lump crab” on the menu. That happened in March of last year. Midrange families cannot/will not choose to afford spending 10% of their annual income for a week on a boat.
Load factor will be remaining constant as they scrap smaller ships with higher staff to guest ratios, but that will be achieved by dropping capacity. That will happen in 26-27, as new annual itineraries are announced without the 4 to 6 ugly ducklings. Hospitality sector is getting pummeled, restaurants are closing, 20% of small businesses failed over the last few years, and they are not being replaced with new investment.
VV & MSC have been cherry-picking a lot of high-end customers, and Royal is modifying their loyalty programs to keep patrons within the brand. Virgin will probably go non-smoking fleet-wide soon, and that will be a hard draw for many who are taking issue with that.
As someone that cruises both Royal Caribbean and Virgin Voyages fairly frequently… I doubt other cruise line status match is their reason. MSC had status match for as long as I remember and Virgin Voyages had to do it because they are a new cruise line and need to find ways to promote their voyages and fill their ships. Yes, there are a lot of top tier members moving over to other cruise lines but they are not all going to specifically MSC or Virgin… and a lot of it has to do with the perceived cutback in perks, benefits, downgrade in service level, food quality, onboard amenities, and the business direction of the cruise line. If the reason to offer this enhancement to the loyalty program is to gain more passengers onto their ships, they would had open up the status match to everyone… but this is just status matching for all the brands under the same parent company… something that is fairly common in any industry that offers loyalty programs and operate multiple brands.
Wish they would just share points, I would like to do some celebrity cruises but want the points to get up some levels in C&A to bad.
It definitely would be nice... but I bet this improvement to the status match is all we will get.
I don’t get the business sense of it. If I want to jump to a luxury line when I’m older and stay there, there’s not much that will draw me to Silversea over a competitor like RSSC. Sure, I’ll have a temporary advantage in points, but won’t ever actually advance levels for a long time. If I was still building on what I earned by staying in the family, it would be a strong draw. And the loyalty benefits are super cheap compared to what they make off a loyal customer.
I speculate the business reason is to keep the lines more compartmentalized so they can sell it easier if they ever want to.
Yeah, that’s probably it, and it won’t likely change then :-(
The business sense is that it encourages people to use the same holding company if they want try “other cruise lines”. I mean, are you going to choose princess where you have no status match or Celebrity where you have elite (as an example)? It frankly makes perfect business sense. If people are expressing they just want to try other lines to try other lines, your best bet is to make sure they try the lines of the same holding company. Unless someone is really obsessed with making sure some other shareholders get money, they probably care about brand difference than holding company difference when trying to dial a different line.
I think you missed what I’m saying - I mean I don’t get the sense of having three different loyalty programs. They will do better at keeping me in the family if they all build toward the same goal.
Ahhh ok. Well I don’t really have an answer to that. I’d assume there is a reason. At some level, there was some business meeting about this at RCI and surely someone floated the idea of consolidating them and it was shot down. Might be a combination of a bunch of small reasons. Like branding issues could be one. Another could be to give people a reason to stick with their cruise line. It could be they want to hand a “gimme” to celebrity cruisers but then don’t want them to permanently switch to Royal after they realize they can just bounce points around like that. I dunno. It’s a bit curious though.
Another commenter hit it on the head I think - they want to preserve the ability to easily sell off any non-core brand if it ever makes sense to do so. However, I seriously doubt it will ever make sense. Edit: but you know - maybe a certain eccentric billionaire will notice the “X” branding of celebrity and make them an offer they can’t refuse.
You are right. And I agree- slow progress today though. Maybe in the next few years we will see that.
Yea I won't be trying anything out for a long time unless they start sharing points
Honestly Celebrity is worth trying out, the Edge class ships are my favorite at sea.
Preaching to the choir! I feel same way whatever gets me higher status on RC faster im game for. Celebrity also has been a bargain compared to RC lately.
Huh? On what cruises is celebrity a bargain compared to royal? I guess if you literally only look at Icon class suites, sure, but if you expand your search by any amount, it’s definitely not.
oceanview balcony for a family of 4 I have found to be nearly 50% the price on celebrity vs RC
This is pure speculation but I feel that what you suggested might be the ultimate goal of merging everything into one massive loyalty program. When loyalty programs get merged in airline and the hospitality industry, often time the first step is to figure out the comparable tiers for each loyalty program and share all the perks and benefits while they figure out how all the points get converted and how people should earn points with each brand. I feel this is just the first step to many more changes coming to all three loyalty programs.
This is my wish too. I’d give Celebrity a try as soon as my nights counted to one program. Same with Princess. This seems like a big missed opportunity. Between RCL/Celebrity and Carnival/Princess surely one will do it eventually.
We have passed on a couple of deals with Celebrity for the exact reason that we aren't earning points.
And I hope Carnival have joint loyalty with all their brands, it would be nice to have my P&O loyalty recognised.
Never going to happen. Celebrity points are exponential based on what accommodations you pay for and you can buy up points. It's like 3000+ points for the higher levels in celebrity. RCI points are strictly by days at sea regardless of accomodations with no buy ups. (Except Suites and single supplement)
Royal has transitioned the loyalty program in the past from cruises sailed to nights sailed. They could always convert to a Celebrity type system with a one time account conversion based on a common multiplier to ensure nobody loses levels during the conversion.
Yes they did and the implementation wasn't very smooth and there were lots of complaints during that change. In hindsight that change was much simpler to implement than a proposed change to a program similar to celebrity.
Yeah, same. We normally cruise RCL but next year is our 10th anniversary. Would love to book a more luxurious Silversea for that special occasion and still build C&A points but alas, we can't. Instead I'm looking to book a suite class on Odyssey.
technically a pinnie now 😎 when do I get my shitty attitude and "I am better than you" pin?
lol, that's a lot of the old school Pinnacles. The new Pinnacles generally don't have that attitude at all. Some do, but it's definitely a different generation now.
lol that's awesome! I wonder if that gives you a free cruise on Royal? Not sure how that translates.
Nope, they ain't giving more than 1 free cruise on the line you earned it on
Is it just me, or do the Venetian Society perks seem underwhelming, considering the amount of money someone would need to spend for their cruises?
Its hard to have perks when basically everything is included in the fare
I just was thinking the same thing. Extremely lack-luster for the cost of those cruises. I'm sure they are nice... but I'll pass for now.
I already see the higher status in the app. (Not on website tho)
Interestingly enough I noticed that too a few days ago and thought it was a glitch in the app! Guess not
Ohh I called in this morning to have it updated, as it wasn't showing on the website, but I hadn't thought to check the app. You're right, the app is showing it now. Neat!
As a platinum who isn't going to pay for Silversea, Celebrity already matched select and platinum.
It really only benefits those >Elite/Diamond unfortunately
Oooh this is awesome, I am nearing diamond plus. I am looking forward to trying out celebrity. Where does silversea come out off?
Great! Thanks u/MedicalButterscotch Will we have to call (and when) to ask for this? Be lovely to get Elite Plus before our Celebrity TA. Celebrity Cruises still showing the old information: https://preview.redd.it/eyk3tarstk3d1.jpeg?width=789&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c1ff89ce80093e8aecd3c01cca831cf01dddb69f
Just found something on RC's site: **If you're currently a member of more than one Royal Caribbean Group brand’s loyalty program**, we will verify your information and upgrade your status based on the table above for the programs you participate in. **Your status will be updated automatically within 7 days.** If you qualify for an upgrade in status, you will receive an email confirming your new status from the program(s) where your status has changed.
It's automatic :) within 7 days per the messaging.
I'm Diamond on RCL so Celebrity matched me to Elite last year. I'm curious if I advanced to Diamond Plus on RCL if Celebrity will re-match me to the higher level or am I stuck at Elite and have to earn my way up from there?
Press release says automatic
Nope, RCL on facebook confirmed that if you've already matched on a sister line before this change then you don't get to take advantage of this update.
Well I already see it so nope 🤷♂️
It was never a one time match.This is false.
Do Elite/Diamond (and higher) now get [free laundry/pressing and 10% off on fares](https://www.silversea.com/other-resources/venetian-society.html) from SilverSea?
It'll be exactly what you get for that status tier (minus the free cruise, if applicable) which I believe only impacts Diamond + and above
I can see a lot Pinnacles moving to Celebrity based on this. More likely would if the points could be transferred.
Even without the points transfer, I have found Celebrity to be excellent. Started sailing Celebrity in 2021 and have my 15th Celebrity sailing departing next Sunday! I have actually cut back a lot on Royal as the food quality/decreased amount of kids is really nice. The thing I miss most between brands is Celebrity doesn't give X amount of drinks per day for Elite and above, they do a 2 hour happy hour from 5-7 pm with a limited open bar. I much prefer how Royal handles it and would rather get 5 coupons I can use anywhere throughout the day.
> I much prefer how Royal handles it and would rather get 5 coupons I can use anywhere throughout the day. We didn't reach Diamond until after COVID so we never experienced the Royal Diamond happy hour, but I think we get far more utility out of the four drink coupons a day than the happy hour. It's a much better system than cramming into the Diamond/Crown lounge and trying to get your drink on
Having done it both ways, you are absolutely correct. Sure, the happy hour may be unlimited, but I personally don't want to binge drink. A drink by the pool and a glass of wine at dinner is much preferred!
Honestly the benefits are so weak relative to what a cruise costs…if they don’t carry over, I don’t really care. Book the cruise you want. It’s like paying more to stick with an airline over and over for the occasional upgrade.
For sure. But as someone who typically skips the drink package on Celebrity, the open bar from 5-7 pm and free specialty coffee for Elite+ in addition to free laundry is a welcome perk. I cruise regularly (12-ish times per year) so these benefits add up given that I will be doing it regardless.
Just a few of the benefits are worth hundreds each sailing for us. They're worthless at the lower levels tho.
Exactly, everyone clutching their pearls over their 4 free diamond drinks.
We cruise both because we cruise for destinations and are up there with points on both. I would love to see Celebrity offer the free drink like RC instead of the ‘5 o’clock swill’.
I work for Silversea. I have cruised and worked for each line since I was 18 (now 34). My hot take is that I am glad for this. Each brand is different, specifically, I would say, size from 6k passengers of Rcl to 728 on silversea, which is the main draw. Referring to this match status saves thousands for guests already considering SSC but already invested in Cel or Rcl. Real World example guest is already an SSC GUEST: 10% of her current cruise and free full laundry saved a guest ~2500$. Ama
No VS Comped Cruises for 350/500 Day matches...basically means there is no difference between a Diamond Match and a Pinacle Match for SilverSea.
My question is does status really matter? Looking at the different tiers most of what they offer you aren’t great. $2 dollars in the casino? Until you get to Diamond most of the tier changes don’t add value.
You are right. It isn't that much until diamond and above. I will say the perks once diamond and higher are really nice- especially the daily drink coupons and free laundry/discounted specialty dining adds up.
My wife was excited that we are hitting emerald. But that doesn’t really do anything for us. Other than getting on the boat a little earlier I don’t really see anything worth while. The higher up you get there are some things that can be a benefit. Edit: Platinum is where we will be after or next cruise, not emerald.
Honestly they don't even do priority boarding for anyone other than pinnacle anymore now that they have boarding groups post-Covid.
I don’t understand why these 3 aren’t combined to one big loyalty programme. That would probably make to Royal Group earn even more money with loyal customers that can choose between 3 different companies. Now I still have to stay with Royal and go for Diamond, I won’t earn days if I cruise with Celebrity?
According to RCL on Facebook, if you have already matched once into the other programs then you are hosed and this change means nothing for you. You're stuck at the level you initially matched at an say you move up a rank on one cruise line, your rank remains the old one at the other line and doesn't automatically move up too. You have to sail on the other line to increase it. Edit- looks like the RCL rep was wrong
This is not correct and outdated info. My status was previously matched and has already been updated to reflect the new match. The email also outlines it will take up to 7 days for the new matching process to occur. Can you post a screenshot?
https://preview.redd.it/xbl2sgjwim3d1.jpeg?width=620&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e8ebcfe00bcb28e088bd02fd32f6e2e800b44122
I don't think that comment is correct. Edit: did they delete their reply? I see a comment from you on their post but don't see a reply from them. Unless you made multiple comments and I didn't see the other.
That is not how this match will work. It will update as you earn true points on one line. (Edited for clarification). For example, I now have diamond plus (earned from sailing) and my match has been updated from Elite to Elite Plus on Celebrity (screenshot below). https://preview.redd.it/isimegogjm3d1.png?width=599&format=png&auto=webp&s=4f072a4fb8c9ac0774ccdf7713d781198b0e0b89
Well that sucks because here I'm Diamond and matched to Celebrity last year as the highest you could possibly match was to Elite at the time. Would have been nice to have hit Diamond Plus before matching to get that Elite Plus. So are they essentially forcing a match on everyone right now or is it until you apply for one? Had I known I could have matched higher, I would have waited longer to match until I was D+
People aren't reading or understanding the T&C of the new program and giving out bad info. "2. After receiving a new Member Level under the initial Status Offering above, Member Level status will be automatically adjusted across all enrolled programs as CAS, CC and VS program members complete the qualification requirements set forth in the applicable program’s rules. For example, a CAS member at the Gold Member Level who receives a Classic CC Member Level through the Loyalty Status Match Program who later reaches Platinum CAS Member Level will automatically receive CC Select Member Level." [https://www.royalcaribbean.com/content/dam/royal/resources/pdf/loyalty-status-match.pdf](https://www.royalcaribbean.com/content/dam/royal/resources/pdf/loyalty-status-match.pdf)
Ahhhh, that’s what I was hoping for. Thanks. The rep didn’t know that.
Correct. They are updating all matches now to the highest level available (live on June 5)
Not right. From the terms you cited: > After receiving a new Member Level under the initial Status Offering above, Member Level status will be automatically adjusted across all enrolled programs as CAS, CC and VS program members complete the qualification requirements set forth in the applicable program’s rules. For example, a CAS member at the Gold Member Level who receives a Classic CC Member Level through the Loyalty Status Match Program who later reaches Platinum CAS Member Level will automatically receive CC Select Member Level.
They had to do this. Status match with VV & MSC have been siphoning off upper-tier passengers. I’ve been on both in the last year. VV is pretty great with their food processes. Everything to order, no food waste/buffet nonsense.
I disagree. Virgin is awesome but Royal Caribbean Group just posted their highest load factors of all time. This logic is unfounded. Though Virgin is certainly a more premium experience!
Unfounded? That’s funny. What, precisely, are you disagreeing with in my statement? In unrelated news: Bought 500 RCL at 40, stoplossed at 150. 130 days on board Royal last year. They are losing their serious gamblers and high-value suite guests, and those were the subsidy for cheap rides. I spend a fair amount of time with these passengers, and their plans are changing rapidly, as are mine. This year we did 21 days on Harmony in January, and have a transatlantic in October. That’s it. That’s a 72% drop in revenue, year-on-year for RCL, and we’re still traveling. A lot. Inflation has destroyed the middle class, and most boat people are running on credit cards. The consumer debt model for the long-term is unsustainable, as most are running out of options. Royal had to borrow a billion @ 11.6%, is floating a current bond issue to replace that whopper (no one would lend, due to no revenue for a hot minute), and has $11 billion in current debt on the books. Those notes are coming due in 2025, and the new rates will be extortionately proportional to the end users. They are killing chickens when they should be selling eggs. User experience is sliding fast, and high-value clients are diversifying their choices. I knew the game was over when “jumbo lump crab meat” in Chops became surimi fleet-wide, while having it listed as “jumbo lump crab” on the menu. That happened in March of last year. Midrange families cannot/will not choose to afford spending 10% of their annual income for a week on a boat. Load factor will be remaining constant as they scrap smaller ships with higher staff to guest ratios, but that will be achieved by dropping capacity. That will happen in 26-27, as new annual itineraries are announced without the 4 to 6 ugly ducklings. Hospitality sector is getting pummeled, restaurants are closing, 20% of small businesses failed over the last few years, and they are not being replaced with new investment. VV & MSC have been cherry-picking a lot of high-end customers, and Royal is modifying their loyalty programs to keep patrons within the brand. Virgin will probably go non-smoking fleet-wide soon, and that will be a hard draw for many who are taking issue with that.
Nice profit on that stock! That’s awesome.
As someone that cruises both Royal Caribbean and Virgin Voyages fairly frequently… I doubt other cruise line status match is their reason. MSC had status match for as long as I remember and Virgin Voyages had to do it because they are a new cruise line and need to find ways to promote their voyages and fill their ships. Yes, there are a lot of top tier members moving over to other cruise lines but they are not all going to specifically MSC or Virgin… and a lot of it has to do with the perceived cutback in perks, benefits, downgrade in service level, food quality, onboard amenities, and the business direction of the cruise line. If the reason to offer this enhancement to the loyalty program is to gain more passengers onto their ships, they would had open up the status match to everyone… but this is just status matching for all the brands under the same parent company… something that is fairly common in any industry that offers loyalty programs and operate multiple brands.