My wife and I have been Diamond Plus Members with Royal Caribbean Cruise Line (RCCL) for several years. Our first cruise was with RCCL on its Nordic Prince from New York to Bermuda. For many years, we remained loyal to RCCL. We traveled with Celebrity on a few of the earlier cruises as well as a couple on Norwegian Cruise Line. We also booked with Sitmar, but the cruise lines was acquired by Princess Cruise line before we embarked. Until 2005, we remained very loyal to RCCL. However, I am now convinced that Princess is far superior to Royal Caribbean's Lines. I share my thoughts for those who believe that it is important to remain loyal to a line (there is value in doing that), but some may find the benefits of RCCL have deteriorated over the past few years. Here are a few of my thoughts:

1. The accommodations for Diamond Plus members in the Concierge Lounge have been severely diminished. Today, there is more interest in suite revenue than passenger loyalty. When we enter the Lounge in the evening for drinks, I have to navigate over baby carriages to find a place to seat. The arrangements that were implemented encouraged suite passengers to visit the Lounge and Loyalty Passengers to visit the Diamond Lounge or forego the traditional enjoyment in the Lounge.

2. The Concierge has always been an asset in issues we encounter onboard. Diego and Kelly were exceptional. I would always trust their judgment and suggestions. They always went out of their way to help resolve issues I encountered. However, the Concierge on a recent Freedom of the Seas voyage flat ignored to assist in helping resolve a problem THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN EASY FOR HIM TO DO. Loyalty was unimportant to him. Read more