RCI has always had a rough time with publicity surrounding past guests. There was the March 2009 scale back that sparked outrage. Then the Royal Champions on a certain message board. RCI announced today further changes and enhancments to their past guest program dubbed Crown & Anchor, an homage to the likes logo.
So lets take a look at the changes to the program.
- Crown & Anchor Society members will be the only ones that will be allowed to book a cruise while on their cruise. They will be able to take advantage of huge savings by doing so. The more cruises you have, the more higher up you are in the program, the more you’ll save on future cruises. It only takes one cruise to join Crown & Anchor Society, so I guess its just a way to get more to join.
- Crown & Anchor Society members can now combine certain credits they accrue by being a member. i.e. a balcony discounts can now be combined with the above onboard booking savings. Still no way to add in the shareholder discount though.
- RCI will increase staff in the Crown & Anchor loyalty department. They act similar to a concierge to members.
- RCI will try to upgrade members cabin selection, Diamond level and up. When the ship isn’t sailing at full capacity and rooms are available higher up, they will attempt to contact you prior to sailing. These will be based upon past number of cruises.
- RCI will share deals and news with members via email now. Everything will be sent out to Crown & Anchor Society members first, and then open to the public.
- RCI will now send an enhanced Ultimate Vale Booklet to future cruises. These booklets feature discounts for onboard drinks, internet packages, etc.
A Royal Caribbean official also mentioned that there is more to come. When that happens, in days, weeks, months, it’ll be covered here.
As always, I pose the question: What do you think?
Here is to RCI and hoping that there isn’t a massive backlash towards them, because you know you can’t please everyone no matter what you do. So lets hope that it is kept to a minimum.