Royal Caribbean regulars in uproar over lost perk on cruises

mercedes · March 31, 2009

Some of Royal Caribbean's most loyal customers are crying foul this week after the line cut back on a beloved perk for frequent cruisers: Access to a private concierge lounge.

Message boards at online cruise sites such as ###### have erupted with complaints since Friday -- the day the line sent an email noting the change to members of its frequent cruiser program, the Crown & Anchor Society. The email announced that Diamond level members -- those who have been on at least 10 cruises with the line -- will no longer be invited to use the private concierge lounges on most ships starting this summer.

Effective July 1, the concierge lounges will be reserved for Crown & Anchor members who have reached the higher Diamond Plus status -- given to those who have sailed at least 25 cruises with the line -- and passengers staying in suites.

Access to Royal Caribbean's concierge lounges is a much sought-after perk for Royal Caribbean regulars who can use the lounges to arrange shore excursions, spa treatments, dinner reservations and more. The lounges also are the settings for nightly cocktail parties at no extra charge.

Royal Caribbean blames the growth of its frequent cruiser program's membership for the change.

"Due to limited capacity, the Concierge Lounge has not been able to accommodate our growing membership, challenging our ability to provide the optimum experience for our guests," the line told Crown & Anchor Society members in an email.

The exception to the change is for Diamond members sailing on one of the line's three, 3,654-passenger Freedom Class vessels -- its newest, biggest ships. All three of the vessels were built with a dedicated Diamond Lounge that will remain open to Diamond members.