I just stumbled on a cruisecritic thread re an announced change in 2012 which would provide (rather modest)enhancements to higher level suites. It has resulted in explosive reactions. Haven't seen any comments here. Reactions?

I went over to cc and read the entire thread. Such contravercy over what appears to me to not be that big of a deal, but then maybe I am not fully understanding the ramifications of this. I would love to hear your take on this Ngaire when you have time.

I don't really get the big deal either, I think everyone is afraid that they won't get a specialty restaurant reservation but I doubt if that is the case.

The suites already had perks that the regular rooms didn't have like BUTLERS, afternoon snacks that came automatically, etc

Of course, to most people here, the perks for the higher cabins are already in place through the SSS benefits (except priority restaurant reservations is another one that has disappeared from the list). Only if they denied boarding to all cabins below D level until 3 p.m. would I be upset. And that would really tick me off, given my investment in many cruises over the years!

I can't imagine all the Platinums and Titaniums in Cat H and Cat G cabins will have lower reservation priority than a first time sailor in Cat E or Cat D. Looks like a mountain out of a molehill to me.

HOWEVER, if booking a Cat D or Cat E provides a "real" chance at a FREE upgrade to a Cat C (or above), I will be in the front of the line screaming against this change.

All of those who know the Regent cabins want want H and G cabins first. A real value. Then F and finally E and D sell and at a pretty high premium.

The additional cost for the E and D same basic cabin has not really made sense for a long time. Personally I think it is a good decision to enhance those suites to encourage the sale of those suites. Look at it this way more G cabins left for those who understand and appreciate that value.

I do think that this will all settle down and that it will not create any kind of "class system" on board. No one likes any changes but usually once the dust settles all is well. I can remember the outcry AGAINST all inclusive and many other worries about certain changes that can hardly be remembered now.

I think Marc said it best a "mountain out of a molehill".

I knew this was coming but honestly was not that worried about this change it seemed logical to me. This was supposed to be "announced today" but nothing came through. I think we wait and see what the program really is and how it works in reality before worrying about this so much.

This has been true Ngaire except they are re-categorizing the cabins, at least on Mariner. Historically, for many of us the lowest, central cabins have been the greatest deal for us, but at least on Mariner in the future, we'll have to upgrade to get those same cabins if we want them.

Debbie those H cabins on the Mariner should not be H cabins. When I first saw the ship when it was being built I questioned WHY would those central cabins be H rather than G and why werent the H cabins in the Rear. They said because those cabins were near the casino but that makes no sense whatsoever.

I always felt bad selling a G at the back. Paying more than an H and getting a less appealing cabin. I know everyone who gets an H loves it on the Mariner but truly it is not categorized fairly. I am surprised it has taken this long to fix this as it really needed to be recategorized.

Same thing with how they are changing the other cabins on the Mariner - making it more like the Voyager. Forward and aft less expensive on the same deck than mid ship. This is how it should be done.

IT is really the right thing to do as far as being fair on the pricing of the cabins. The ship should have been categorized this way from the beginning.

Sorry for those who have enjoyed the H at the good value but for the overall product this is a move that needed to be done.

This makes a lot of sense, Ngaire. Thanks for the explanation about the re-classification...

as I said on CC I really think this "Concierge" class thing is a simple re-package of amenities and perks already available. Probably introduced in an effort to make us realise exactly how many and what we are getting!! (or not, should we choose not to book a "qualifiying" suite)

They really have trouble selling E and D as most people recognize that there is no sense in paying that extra when the G and F cabins are exactly the same. As long as the benefits offered do not detract from the ambiance on the ship "that you step in the hall and all is equal" I think all will be well. The larger suites have extra benefits now and have for years that has not detracted from the ambiance of the ship in any way.

Marc on the upgrade issues if that is offered in the "concierge" cabins it is my guess that the "paid upgrade" program will continue. It has been very successful and I see no reason for them to stop that program. With that program in place there will seldom be an available suite to be upgraded to anyway. When those paid upgrades are offered they sell like hot cakes and often go within hours so it may be "much ado about nothing".

Ngaire, hi. . . is true that the lower categories will wait to board until the upper categories have boarded? This is how it is done on Oceania. Will upper categories have the opportunity to book dining reservations before the lower categories (again, an Oceania policy). And, last, are there no provisions or grandfathering in place for higher level Seven Seas Society members? Thanks.

Jackie I do not have any details on the program at all other than the fact that this is planned to be introduced. So I cannot answer any of those questions. We need to wait and see what the program is when it comes out.

Okay -- thanks!

This from Mark Conroy who was on the end of the SA cruise. The concierge level early bookings apply BEFORE boarding, they will open up several days or weeks before the F, G & H catagory cabins. There will be no booking preference for concierge level once on board. Didn't ask about preferred boarding. Checking in and boarding needs to be improved for all categories. Last three times I boarded in Fort Lauderdale it took over an hour. We were forced to wait in a big room and they only let a few people thru security at a time to be processed by a hand full of people. In the past we could walk right up, register and board in a few minutes and there were never more than one or two people in line. It is MUCH easier and faster to board the Oasis or Allure of the Sea (6000 passengers) which makes no sense at all. It's kind of funny how much better everything works once onboard than when dealing with anything shore side.

Mike, I've only embarked twice in FLL. The first time, we were held for over and hour and watched people who arrived after us go through the check in process before us. I was not thrilled at that. The only other time I've had to wait was in 09 boarding the Mariner. The GAP full cruisers were boarded first. We had to wait maybe half an hour. I understood that as the GAP folks had a luncheon on board.

Beth, if you book G cabins you'd better prepare yourself for the experience each time you board Regent if the stuff posted already on another board is true. Early boarding for the expensive cabins, late boarding for coach passengers.

Pat, no worry, we still have early embarkation with Amex Plat. :D

Marc, I don't have Amex Plat. And I, personally, have avoided early embarkation lately because so many are doing it LV has become a bit of an unpleasant zoo. We prefer to have a leisurely lunch before boarding often with friends. My concern about this, IF it happens, is that it represents a fundamental change in the Regent model. All can now make restaurant reservations at the same time and board early. To deny these two perks to H, G, and F passengers changes that. I'm delighted to see Regent add perks to E cabins and up as long as Regent pays for them. To add them at the expense of H, G, and F folks is a shame. And if I learn I'm exempt as SSS gold it won't change my opinion. Just one person's opinion!

Marc, we have Amex Platinum. Where does it state that we are guaranteed early embarkation on Regent? Really curious.

I share some of the same questions and concerns expressed but maybe we should all wait to see what the actual announcement is and then wait to see how it is actually implemented.

Change is always difficult but it does happen and as it applies to each of us may be some good and some not so good.

I frankly can not get excited about any of these enhancements nor do I expect to act any differently than I have in the past.

At least while this board can get a little excited about these things we are all civil.

Yes Marc, I've never seen this stated anywhere.

Maybe Marc is talking about the AMEX express check in lane? I never use it seems just as fast as the regular check in lane.

Karen, are you talking about at the airport? We have an Amex express lane here in Toronto, and it's great. But at the cruise port? If it exists, I certainly didn't know about it.

Yes, at the cruise port. There is a little tiny sign usually for AMEX check in. In FLL, it's usually to the left at the counter, if I remember correctly.
Maybe they did away with it as I never saw anyone in the line?

I just looked on their site and I don't see that perk listed anymore.
Here is a list of benefits with all the cruise lines:

Participating Cruise Lines:

Cunard2

* $300 USD per stateroom shipboard credit
* Priority check-in and embarkation
* Complimentary bottle of wine or champagne


Regent Seven Seas Cruises 3

* $300 USD per suite shipboard credit
* Access to behind-the-scenes ship tour (upon request)


The Yachts of Seabourn 4

* $300 USD per suite shipboard credit
* Special bed turn-down service (one evening)
* Welcome bottle of wine


Silversea Cruises5

* $300 USD per suite shipboard credit
* A tour of the vessel’s galley hosted by a chef
* Bottle of Dom Pérignon (or similarly valued champagne)


Holland America6

* $300 USD per suite shipboard credit (available on select suite categories)
* 2-Category upgrade on outside staterooms in select categories
* Welcome bottle of champagne
* Complimentary dinner at the Pinnacle Grill (available first night only)


Crystal Cruises7

* $300 USD per stateroom shipboard credit
* $250 USD per stateroom shore excursion credit


Windstar Cruises8

* $300 USD per stateroom shipboard credit ($225 USD for singles)
* One Romance Package per cabin (deluxe hors d’oeuvres with caviar buffet, welcome bottle of champagne, chocolate covered strawberries, photo album)

I noticed 2 Concierage class benefits are:

* 15 min. worth of free phone calls per suite
* one free hour of internet per suite

Does this mean Free Internet and Phone time
could be eliminated as a benefit of SS Society ?

- Dave

I urge everyone to WAIT and see what the situation really is rather than getting upset about something that is not even clear yet.

Speculation is not fact. NOTHING has been officially announced and everything that is being discussed at this time is simply speculation.

Dave there is absolutely no reason that anything offered to the new concierge cabin would have any bearing at all on society benefits.

NO.

They are trying to upsell E and D to newbies without benefits. I cannot imagine that many oldies will fall for the concierge upsell.

Since Regent makes you have all the booking numbers when booking Prime 7 and Signatures in advance, we will all adjust and have those in the higher level suites handle the bookings for all of us if, in fact, they have a few day advance window.

I am looking forward to my Platinum benefits on my next cruise and plan to take advantage of every perk I have earned.

And with good reason, Marc - look at what you have paid to reach the level to have those benefits!!

Loyalty must continue to be recognised and rewarded!!

I just came across this post on AllThingsCruise.com. I am well aware of the brouhaha on Cruise Critic about this. I have no idea if this posting means that it is fairly definite or if someone is "jumping the gun." I didn't notice anything about early boarding, but the item that would bother me the most is if higher-level cabins have priority in booking online excursions.

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Regent Seven Seas announces new concierge-level amenities

Regent Seven Seas Cruises will offer added amenities to guests in higher-level suites. Beginning with the 2012 summer season, guests in concierge-level and above suites will enjoy a range of benefits from priority shore excursion and restaurant reservations to upgrades and complimentary amenities.

Guests in categories E and above on Seven Seas Mariner (beginning April 2, 2012) and Seven Seas Voyager (beginning April 16, 2012) and category D and above on Seven Seas Navigator (beginning May 30, 2012) will receive the following exclusive concierge services:

Upgraded pre-cruise luxury hotel package

Priority online reservations on FREE, unlimited shore excursions

Priority online reservations in the specialty restaurants Prime 7 and Signatures

15 minutes of FREE phone calls and 60 minutes of FREE Internet access per suite

25 percent off premium wine and liquor purchases

10 percent off pre- or post-cruise hotel or land packages

10 percent off Regent Choice shore excursions

Eligible for suite upgrades at time of sailing, when available with preference by booking date

In-suite binoculars, coffee brewer and cashmere blanket

Regent Seven Seas Cruises special gift

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Eugene

Eugene, only one I care about is the "suite upgrades at time of sailing." As for excursions, there aren't that many E and D cabins to make a difference. Even then, we have not had problems getting excursions even if we didn't book 180 days in advance.

edited to remove bad assumption ;)

edited to add:

For GRAND PRIX, my dates for excursions and dining reservations are still 180 (May 13) and 75 (Aug 26) days, respectively. I will monitor to see if this changes

Eugene & Marc,

The information Eugene posted is correct. Here's the press release from the Regent website: Concierge Program Press Release

Marc, I think the upgrade perk is illusory. I can't imagine Regent will stop selling paid upgrades so there will probably be few if any C or better upgrades left at the time of sailing. In fact, paid upgrade prices may decrease since Regent will be motivated to sell as many upgrades as possible before having to give them away.

As for priority online booking of excursions, I believe this is the change that will have the greatest adverse effect on non-concierge passengers. Marc, the change will not only apply to D and E suites but to everyone at or above E on Mariner and Voyager and D on Navigator. I calculate that about 67% of the suites on Voyager, 63% of the suites on Mariner, and 53% of the suites on Navigator will get the Concierge Program. I think many of the smaller more specialized excursions will be unavailable for online booking after the Concierge passengers have first crack at them. That leaves wait listing and onboard booking which may or may not work for many excursions. Time will tell.

Dave

Dave, I predict that Gold, Platinum, and Titanium benefits will be updated next year to give same priority to excursion and dining reservations.

As for the paid upgrades, if they still make them available to me in my H cabin at same price as to someone in E cabin; I will be happy.

Marc, I'm not sure what your prediction is based on but I hope it comes true. Frankly, if I find that I cannot book excursions that we want online before the cruise, that could be a deal breaker, even though I know that once onboard there is a reasonable possibility that some excursions could become available.

We have been very satisfied with the new all-inclusive excursions, and I really don't like the notion that the unlimited "free" excursions will now be subject to priority reservations by cabin class.

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Eugene

We were not able to get our preferred excursions even though we tried months in advance for our Australia/NZ cruise and we had to book privately to see what we wanted to see. This will definitely become a deal breaker for us.

Eugene, I wonder if I threatened to use up my nine hours of satellite phone time listening to Naval Observatory time recording I might get priority back for excursions. :D

I'm not basing my supposition on anything except reasonableness.

It will be interesting to see what happens if we have 20+ G and H cabins for GRAND PRIX and we don't have the same priority for excursions as others. As for dining, all we have to do is book tables for six or eight with the ones actually doing the booking located in higher cabins.

I really don't see this as too big a deal.

Unlike most, we couldn't care less about the dining reservations for the specialty restaurants. However, we do care a lot about the excursions. In general, we are not interested in finding private excursions to substitute for Regent-provided excursions. I'm just saying that I'm not willing to gamble at Regent prices that I will be able to book excursions onboard that I am not able to book in advance. Regent added an important feature to provide an all-inclusive experience, and now conditions are being placed on that feature. Furthermore, on a cruise such as WINES, there is a notable supplemental charge for many of the excursions that we have selected.

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Eugene

Eugene, I don't read the new rules as saying we can't book excursions in advance. I just read it that the rest of the folks will get a few days to a few weeks head start on us. Certainly, we need to still have ability to book excursions before start of penalty period. I will keep looking at excursion booking date for GRAND PRIX to see if it changes.

I didn't infer that we wouldn't be able to book excursions in advance. The question is whether it will change what is available when we can book.

I printed out the dates when our future cruises say we can book reservations and I, too, will keep on eye on these dates. Good idea.

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Eugene

Some clarity

1) Priority online reservations on FREE, unlimited shore excursions will allow concierge-level guests to book both FREE and Regent Choice tours at 240 days prior to sailing whereas other guests will book at the standard 180 days prior to sailing.

2) Priority online reservations in the specialty restaurants Prime 7 and Signatures will open for concierge-level guests at 90 days prior to sailing whereas other guests will book at the current 75 days prior to sailing.

So F - H can book as they are now it is just that the higher cabins get a head start.

I am glad there was no priority boarding that was good news as so many really thought that was going to be included.

When I have booked excursions I never get around to it early and so far I have had little trouble getting almost all excursions I wanted. When sold out then waitlist and when the demand increases I believe they add more tours. Waitlists clear every day. I seem to spend a big part of everyday forwarding waitlist clearance notifications. Space usually opens up on board as well. There is no doubt some of the excursions that have very limited capacity will sell out and those you must book the second things open as they always sell out quickly now.