Sorry if it seemed so complicated,but I didn't write it.


That is OK....like you anyway - Joanna

Thanks for simplifying this.

Perhaps this new computer program can also figure out how to roll-out RSSC's new program in a timely manner.

Ok..I'm not sure what's happening here...but I'm going to try to talk to the cruise consutlant tomorrow - maybe she will have some answers, but I'm betting NOT!

Radisson runs great ships the product is excellent.

However, the speed with which things come out from the corporate headquarters has always been painfully slow. Brochures, schedules everything is always slow so it is really no surprise the society program and rebranding is slow.

I would give anything if they would "speed up" and things would move faster. It used to frustrate me more and I think I have just become used to it now. At least this year they came out with the 2007 world cruise about 4 months earlier so I was hoping this was a sign of good things to come.

The society program SHOULD have been out much earlier but I think Denise is right and we need to wait and see exactly what is in the program before we voice disatisfaction. No matter what it is some will like it and some wont.

As to the new computer software announcement just looks like more "computer speak" (which I never understand - it is a foreign language) to say they are going to have a better software program to manage their data more effectively for many different purposes. They need that, maybe it will help fix the mailing list problems.

I wonder if we will get full credit (nights) for VTC. We had to get off the ship after 5 days of the 15 night cruise. After all RSSC got their money from the insurance company

Do pre or post cruise packages booked through RSSC count?

I'll do what snooping I can onboard starting Saturday.

I just hope that the tier program does go into affect January 1, 2006 as implied. We've all waited since last Spring! No excuse for something to take this long.

Hey guys, let's not be so hard on RSSC. Ask yourself; will the new tier levels influence your decisions as to whether you're going to cruise with RSSC? Sure as heck won't influence ours. We have never had a glitch with booking, docs, or the actual trip(including air) with RSSC. That and the outstanding cruise experience is why we cruise with them; not because of any bennies that might come our way. One thing I know is that RSSC is fair with it's customers and they'll make it right in the long run with this tier level thing. We have @ 200 days of cruising with RSSC and I, personally, could care less about the tier levels.

Sort of the way I feel Doug - would I like a perk or two??? sure but I will look at SS specials before getting annoyed with the tiers levels - I don't expect a big "wowie" when they release the info so I won't be disappointed - Joanna

Just talked to someone at RSSC.

The mailing on December 28 will also have the number of nights they have on record for you including the ships and sailing dates. There will be forms in there to correct any errors you feel have been made on your nights and instructions on how to get that corrected.

There will also be a form to send in if you wish to correct the information for your mailing list.

They are sending out to society members who have sailed in the last five years.

That is really nice, i got that letter for SS as well, and it is really nice to have that record.
Cindy

Ngaire, is this physical mail or email?

It's not clear to me if the "days counted" will be based on all sailings or just the ones starting at some point in time.

"Hey guys, let's not be so hard on RSSC. Ask yourself; will the new tier levels influence your decisions as to whether you're going to cruise with RSSC?"

No.

But the issue isn't the perks...it is the hubris.

Physical Mail. Most of these questions will be answered when you all get your mail and look at your list of nights. Patience is a virtue remember. I am just happy that they are coming out with a program.

This doesnt suprise me....having cruised Radisson since 2001, I have noticed a trend to make the line more profitable and that they consider the passengers who go are so well off financialy that they wont balk at the errosion of service and the inflation of price. They feel I think they have it made in the shade and have us hooked..... on that we shall see.

I say this after being on the Mariner for 34 days recently and seeing way higher prices and elimination of many services..... Radisson dear friends is entering a era of " lets max the bucks". With the exception of food service and cabin service the other services like reception and Travel desk have adopted not a cant do attitude , but a "won't do attitude", to even simple requests. It was very telling to see and experience.

So too it may be with a tier system.....

Cruisecrazy,

I'm sorry that your recent experiences on your 34 day Mariner cruise were less than favorable.

We sailed to the Baltics on the Voyager this past August and I can honestly say this was, by far, the most lavish, customer-service oriented cruise we've sailed on to date (we've sailed on RSSC 3 times prior). We never experienced a won't or can't do attitude. We found nothing lacking. In fact, just the opposite. All the crew members we encountered couldn't have been more helpful and congenial. We thought the services on our previous cruises were outstanding. It amazed us that this surpassed our expectations in a very big way.

I must take issue to your comments that "passengers who go are so well off financialy that they wont balk at the errosion of service and the inflation of price." In my experiences working in the travel/tourism industry, I have found that those with the most, financially, are looking to really get the very biggest "bang for their buck." Expectations are far greater for the well-heeled. A lapse in services would not be tolerated and would be addressed immediately. Needless to say, this is does not apply to everyone, but a good percentage have this mindset.

As to having people "hooked." Yes, there are those who are staunch RSSC cruisers. Nothing wrong with that whatsoever. You like a cruiseline and all it has to offer, you stay with that cruiseline, regardless. I don't consider that "hooked." I'd see it as pleased, satisfied, and loyal to RSSC and the product/services offered, despite the increase in pricing, etc. If you are a happy camper, most changes would be a non-issue.

There are many industries looking to max their bucks. This is not exclusive to RSSC. If they offer a superior product, I think they are justified in adjusting prices to reflect what is offered. I certainly don't want to see prices escalate, but, by the same token, I do understand that they are in business to make a profit, as are all businesses.

With so many cruiselines to pick and choose from, there is something for everyone. We've yet to see what the new tier program will offer. Only then can we make an educated decision on where our cruise dollars are spent.

I value your opinion and just wanted to offer my perspective. Thanks!

Cruisecrazy:

I was only on Mariner for 14 days recently; maybe at same time as you. I will defend the Reception Staff as being as good if not better than at any time on any ship or at any hotel. We got to know all of them well as we were without our luggage. They were professional and exremely helpful. Probably the most surprising service they did for me is to fix my glasses when the lens fell out returning from Bangkok. As I was having no luck trying to fix them myself, I of course called reception. Receptionist said to bring them right down and that she could do it. I brought them down, she tried; when she couldn't get them fixed she got the carpenter to fix them and then had them delivered to our cabin.

As for travel desk, Roger has been doing that same job with Radisson for a while. In the past, if we had a bad experience on a Radisson arranged excursion (only happened twice), Radisson has refunded our money. On this recent trip, I still found that Radisson doesn't hike up the prices; that all of their prices are fair. And, how can anyone complain about how they handled taking the entire contingent of pax ashore in Bangkok; what an undertaking done so well.

Just my three cents,

I agree with Denise. During our last trip we were pampered and coddled beyond belief. Whatever could be done to make our trip more pleasurable was anticipated and done.

As to those who are well-off, being more tolerant of high prices and erosion of services: WHAT PLANET ARE YOU FROM? Not!

Yes, the ship's excursions are overpriced and not as good as they should be. Improvement is needed in this area.

Ardis

Having worked behind the scenes in the hotel industry, I've gotten a real education in just how hard it is to coordinate, expedite and maintain quality, and make it look effortless to guests.

RSSC's crew continues to amaze me. Day in and day out, they uphold and provide guests with service and product of the highest nature. Not an easy task by any stretch of the imagination. We, the guest, are the beneficiaries of the high standards RSSC continues to provide, each and every time we sail with them. We've yet to experience any bumps in the road. Quite an accomplishment. This accomplishment speaks volumes.

Ardis,
While the shore excursions may seem pricey I have seen then substantially more on other cruiselines.

Well, for Europe my experience is limited to one trip on Diamond, the rest of my experience is on the PG. In that case, I do not believe the excursions are over-priced, I think they are very fair. I read Tahitian Princess folks doing private excursions all the time in FP, and I don't think it's necessary at all to go private on the PG. On our Diamond trip was hard to tell, since it was the first trip in the Black Sea, and I was unfamiliar with the norm for these things. But I didn't think they were overpriced either. Guess I'll have to see next summer when I'm on Voyager.

So well said Denise! I think you're absolutely right.

I think everyone is just antsy because we've been hearing about this tier program for sooooooo long now, at least 8 months. Kind of like waiting for Santa to finally arrive.

It could be much ado about nothing when it's finally unveiled. We shall see soon enough!

I'm surprised that there is concern over any enterprise that seeks to maximize or optimize returns on its investment - if they don't, they disappear. Indeed, many did in the days after 9/11 when the distressed travel industry extended bargains as a means of survival. Many of us benefitted from those deals which flowed from shrinking demand. The market has strengthened, so prices increase - what else is new? But,RSSC plays in a highly competitive market place and can't afford to make many mistakes. They booted the whole SSS thing big time - and they must know it. My guess is that the treatment of the whole program has been and continues to be a subject of internal debate. Debate should have been settled before withdrawal of the previous program. You don't mess arund with your best customers.

Having said that, I feel that they have an outstanding product, but can't make mistakes at the margins. I would really be offended if our sailing record were inaccurate and used improperly as a basis for recognition. The Devil is, indeed, in the details As for "high end" customers not caring - obviously there are wide variations in price sensitivity, but all seek value for a dollar spent. If the value is not there all will vote with their wallet - credit card?

Okay, while we are waiting PAAAATIENTLY, I just went to the Silversea website to their Venetian Society section, and here's what their benefits are:

Membership Privileges

Onboard recognition and private parties
5%-10% additional savings on select voyages
The Venetian newsletter
Ship visitation privileges
Venetian Value Club savings


Milestone Rewards
After 100 Days, 5% additional savings and complimentary laundry service*
After 250 Days, 10% additional savings and early embarkation or late disembarkation where available
After 350 Days, complimentary 7-day voyage in a Veranda Suite
After 500 Days, complimentary 14-day voyage in a Veranda Suite
*Laundry service excludes dry cleaning or "press only".

Sounds like after 250 days they figure with all the $$ you're saving you can pay for your own laundry service! :eek:

Marc and Ardis, having been with both of you on the Mariner recently, I agree completely. All staff, Reception and Tour included, went out of their way to be helpful and resolve any problems, often before being asked!

Marcie, I would assume that as you jump up a tier, you still retain the advantages of the lower one, like free laundry. I rarely send out "laundry" anyway, since I only do shorter cruises. Dry cleaning and pressing would be a great reward for me!

Crystal gives benefits based on the number of your cruises. Doesn't look like they are quite as generous as Silversea, but maybe Judith could elaborate. Takes a lot of cruises to get a free one.

http://www.crystalcruises.com/soc_rewards.aspx

And here's what Seabourn does. Free cruise of up to 14 days after 140 is very good!

http://www.seabourn.com/ClubMembers/default.asp?Main=clubmembers&sec=membership

We always do are own laundry on board. This past trip, due to our delayed luggage, Radisson provided us with free laundry even though it was no fault of their own. In fact, we could call at midnight when going to bed, and they would come pick up and deliver by 7am. We did not need to take advantage of the superfast response as much as my folks as we had three days of clothes in carryons while folks had only one day. We got used to the free laundry service. We overused it. We tried not to ask for express service but instead send out every morning for delivery by that evening or the next morning. If we knew we could have free laundry, I think we would actually pack less which would be a nice benefit.

I don't understand the difference in the levels? Can someone translate? I copied Marc's stuff and put it below for reference.

Member Benefits

Seven Seas Society Member (4-20 Nights) receive:

Seven Seas Society cocktail reception
Access to Seven Seas Society cruises including exclusive events ashore
Savings from 5% to 10% on select sailings
Inspirations magazine
Communications with advanced access to itineraries and special offers
Upgrade and referral opportunities on select sailings (per attached 2006 certificate)
Silver Member (21-74 Nights) receives everything for Seven Seas Members PLUS ... Silver Member

Gold Member (21-74 Nights) receives everything for Seven Seas Members PLUS ... Gold Member

Platinum Member (21-74 Nights) receives everything for Seven Seas Members PLUS ... Platinum Member

It will be interesting to see what the benefits will be. Like others on this topic, I choose a cruise because I like the itinerary, price and the cruiseline although extra perks are nice.

Regarding issues about excursions, quality and service which are further up in this thread...

Since we have always used Radisson excursions, I can't make a comparison to other cruise lines. Most of the time we have been pleased and I haven't noticed much of a price increase. They are offering more varied and active excursions and I like that.

Alan and I talked about this topic over lunch today. We did not notice any "downgrading" of service or quality on our Nov. Voyager cruise. In fact, it was the best food we've had on a Radisson ship. That opinion was seconded by a fellow cruiser who was on his 40th (various cruiselines) cruise.

We couldn't come up with any negatives about the cruise which makes us sound like cheerleaders and unobjective. Not so, it was just a very good cruise. We did have an issue regarding communication with the travel desk regarding appropriate fitness level on some tours for my MIL but the problem could have been with the tour operator rather than Radisson. It was hard to tell. I inteneded to mention this in the review I've never written :) . I'm still too busy Christmasing!

Andi:

Their website wasn't ready for prime time. However, I (based on NO inside knowledge) wouldn't be surprised if the numbers for General (4-20) and Silver (21-74) are right. As for Gold, the only think to go by is the "dummy" letter you could get to via that link. That letter showed 196 total nights. That would lead me to think that Platinum probably started over 200 nights.

Since Dec 28 is a Wednesday, I hope mail gets to us by Saturday the 31st; or else I won't see the letter until the 6th.

Maybe who ever gets the letter first can post the info and breakdown for all of us. I'd guess those in FL will receive it first.

If I do will post - but get very little from Rad -

Just saw this on the CC board:
retired1
Cool Cruiser Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: atlanta,ga.
Posts: 23

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My travel agent sent me a copy of what was mailed to her. In small print, at the very end is where it says it is applicable for cruises departing after April 1. As a Silver member at 21-74 days among other things, it says complimentary internet access onboard!

Hi...just wanted to post the information I received here on the Navigator. I was told that everyone will receive a letter - mailed on the 28th - which I think is the same information you all know already.

It is sad that they would choose such a low tech way to communicate when it would be so easy, inexpensive and effective to post it all on their website or send an email...with hard copy to follow. But then again we don't seem to be dealing with a "hightech company". Anyway, I'll be home before anything happens, but as a possible "gold" level I'd love to have free internet!!!!

Thanks Marc!

They will post all this on the web site and that is where you will probably see it first.

A lot of RSSC clients dont use internet, email or look at web sites. It is amazing how many clients I have that I have to call and they dont have any of the new technology. The older clientele particularly cannot deal with all of this change. They get VERY aggravated when they hear that things were posted on the web site or sent by email. I hear this often, how unfair it is that things are on the internet and they dont hear about them.

So in order to appease everyone I think the mailing of letters with information on the web site probably about the same time is the only way they can really handle this. The letters must go out too because they are personal with each persons nights and history.