Indy Transatlantic Oct 2013

Recently been informed of Royal's new "improvement" to our Diamond facilities, in a pilot test, which we were informed of one week before sailing.
The idea is that during the diamond drinks time we will be able to have up to a maximum of 3 drinks, each evening at any bar around the ship.
All you have to do is show your sea pass.
On the face of it, it sounds great, but it's a SMOKE SCREEN, the thing they don't tell you is that the overflow lounges for the diamond and concierge will not be used.
As anyone who has done transatlantic cruises before will know the normal diamond and concierge lounges get extremely full and the overflow lounges are needed.
Now instead of meeting friends of a similar level to you and relaxing in the overflow lounge, we will now be scattered around the ship perched on bar stools, drinking our MAXIMUM of 3 drinks, like naughty school children.
This waffle about being able to enjoy the other bars on the ship during the diamond hours is just another Royal smoke screen, it is just a Revenue Dept, COST CUTTING exercise.
I and a few others have already contacted Adam Goldsteins Miami office, and we've got the usual company spiel about it being an enhancement to our C&A amenities, in reality they have shortened the hours from 5pm - 8.30pm to 5pm - 8.00pm, half hours saved and with no overflow lounges available they will save a huge amount in free drinks.
We have spent thousands of pounds (dollars) getting to our respective levels, and the majority of us enjoy meeting like minded cruise friends each evening in the diamond and concierge lounges.
Well on this particular trip it's going to be impossible, because once the diamond/concierge lounges are full, which will be VERY quickly, we will have to spread ourselves around the ship, thus making the ships bars more crowded.En savoir plus

Last night we stayed up till turned 11pm! ! Way past my bedtime.
We had our usual drinks with everyone but this time mainly in the concierge lounge.
Then a group of us went to the Royal Promenade for a bite to eat.
With me having the perfect pre bedtime meal of two steak and kidney pies.
After which we decided to go to the 50s and 60s quiz in the Pyramid lounge, which a was a great laugh, even though we were all rubbish.
We split up into two teams of six boys and six girls, with the couple of us who were over joining a couple of American guests who were on their own.
As I said we were all rubbish, but at least the team I was on managed to beat the boys and girls teams, so no prize but a moral victory.En savoir plus