For Platinum, the canapes we've received have ranged from chips & dip (occasionally) to crab claws, crab legs, shrimp, pate etc. They're delivered around 5 pm - just after trivia and/or bingo. Something to nibble on while getting ready for dinner. It's the same that butler suites get, but delivered by a stewardess. Cavier is reserved for the SSS cocktail party. The laundry perk is really nice because you can pack less but don't have to get up before dawn to get a washing machine.
For Titanium, depending on where you live, the transfer between home & airport can be worth $ 50.00 to $75.00 or more each way. Between ship & airport is worth $30.00 to $60.00.
Englebert, the Hotel Mgr just leaving the Mariner, feels more needs to be done on board for repeat guests and he seems to have Corporate listening to him - we can only hope they act for us.

The transfer between the ship and airport in Fort Lauderdale is worth maybe $10 per couple. For overseas ports, most of us fly in at least one day before; thus the benefit is worthless.

I understand that they are looking for "quantity" of benefits versus "cost" of benefits; however, some things just don't make sense. I will gladly give up an hour or two of "phone" time and the photo and the art auction and the hard cover book and priorty disembarkation and priority restaurant and spa reservations just to get laundry.

Oops, they have already taken away the picture with the Captain and the $100 art auction bid so I can't trade those in. :D

I really do think we need to mount a campaign. Lets get some "real" incentives to maintain loyalty.

Marc, I said somewhere that the pressing thing was my only real "perk" that was added that I would use. I don't care about phone time, as I use the internet and e-mail! Regent has REALLY taken out my steam on this one, as I wouldn't BUY the photo album they want me to buy to upgrade, and I read the news in the library or cigar room. I never go to art auctions (don't know why they have them anyway, okay, that perk is gone) and don't need a photo with the captain (that perk gone, too).

I posted my complaint on the website a few days ago at the regent experience link and have not received even a reply that they got it. Do they not monitor this site?

jbittle, I gather you are Platinum or Titanium. How do you feel about Regent pulling back on their perks for loyal cruisers?

I set the paper version that came today on my desk, then loaded the pdf version that I downloaded this year. They try to make it look like some benefits are escalated, while simply removing several more. Silver had removed the not-quite-comprehended, spa treatment thing. Pressing is now on formal and/or informal, but limit of 2 pieces.

Gold gets "two additional hours of phone use" per suite. Before it was 2 hours. Choice of newspapers. Pressing of two ADDITIONAL pieces per 7-night segment . Then there is that album we keep hearing about. Buy paper, get hardcover (on select voyages). The complimentary signed photo with the Captain is gone. The art viewing seems to have disappeared.

Platinum gets 1 comp air deviation per sailing. additional six hours of phone usage (keep a list of all these people you will want to be talking to), complimentary pressing and laundry. No Canapes, no special invitation to the bridge with the captain. I dunno.

As the loyalty benefits go down, the prices go up.
Doesn't seem fair.
Marc, also, if you go on a 2 for 1 priced cruise, you do not get goldpoints.
Unbelievable.
Lynn

Lynn, we've never gotten Gold Points on a 2/1 cruise. We didn't know about Gold Points the first time in 2001, and the only non 2/1 (and only time we earned points) we have taken since then was British Isles.

I'm Platinum now and will hit Titanium on the SA cruise. The transfer from ship to airport in LA is worth $60.00 per couple, from my house to Ft Myers airport is worth $85.00 per couple so it can work. I've been on 4 cruises since the new tier levels started and I've never gotten a photo with the captain and really don't care about it anyway. I keep digital photos so the album doesn't matter to me. The newspapers will be a nice perk - the "daily disappointment" on the door in the morning is news from 2 days previous. The invitation to the bridge isn't a big deal because by the time most reach Platinum they have seen the bridge on more than 1 ship. Occasional Platinum events, when there are only a handful of Platinums, include being on the bridge for a sailaway. The Platinum special dinners I attended were excellent. I do like the unlimited laundry and pressing for Platinum and the dry cleaning at Titanium will be a good perk. Still, there is a lot more they can do. I would like to see some tier rewards for those of us who take a lot of shorter cruises and don't build up nights only on Grand Cruises. Free cdruises like Silver Seas would be nice.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by jhp:
[qb] Marc, I said somewhere that the pressing thing was my only real "perk" that was added that I would use. I don't care about phone time, as I use the internet and e-mail! Regent has REALLY taken out my steam on this one, as I wouldn't BUY the photo album they want me to buy to upgrade, and I read the news in the library or cigar room. I never go to art auctions (don't know why they have them anyway, okay, that perk is gone) and don't need a photo with the captain (that perk gone, too).

Olivia: I am late to this discussion - I, too, could care less about auctions, phone, pictures - I know I am married to Iron Man but I want my pressing done professionally!!!! Do you all mean it was offered and then taken away??? That stinks!!! Joanna

Joanna, this year they gave Golds unlimited pressing. Next year we get two pieces twice during each seven days. It really is kind of demeaning to have a useful benefit yanked. When we go on FJORDS we are going to have two formal nights and a number of informal nights. It sure would be nice to send all the good clothes in for pressing as soon as we board as they will have been in the garment bag for four days. Now, we can't do that (at least not for free).

Only Gold benefits we used on MUSH were free internet, free pressing, and Gold/Platinum dinner (which I had wished we had skipped).

I doubt we'll make Gold in this lifetime, because we keep coming up with trips that don't involve ships. I'm thinking that lowly Silver, with its free internet, is just as desirable as we need; I'll pay for a couple of pieces of pressing and go on some more land trips.

My co-worker is a Gold and received a card directly from Regent showing the benefits for each tier. I think you should bring this card with you as it clearly states the pressing perk you've earned by reaching the gold level. They couldn't very well say NO after all the letter was sent out and signed by Mark Conroy. Don't leave home with out the original mail out.

I would second that, we are Silver and with Free internet and 1 hour of free phone, why aspire to anything else. The whole point of a loyalty program to me is to Enchance benefits or make them better, not take them away as you add more levels because you did not really think them through the first time around.

RSSC should be doing a lot more for Gold/Plats/and this new level Titanium

OH Geezzz - no idea where my card might be - never thought I would need such a thing with Regent....well said Frank - Joanna

We are Gold and enjoyed the free pressing on our Panama Canal Cruise, although I don't remember it being unlimited.

Our Gold event was dinner with the Captain in the Cigar Lounge. Turned out very nice and was a small affair as there were very few gold/platinum on the ship. We have a signed photo with the captain but I think that is a silly perk and one I would gladly skip. Free internet is my favorite and I like knowing I have some free phone time in case I need it. I haven't used it yet. After all, when I'm on a ship I want to forget the rest of the world!

From the beginning, I felt that the rewards program was not thought out well. They announced it, were late delivering it, the ideas looked rushed and now they've done a poor re-vamp according to what I am reading here.

Cherise, you may have the right idea. If you have one of the cards stating the perks, take it along with you. They would have a hard time not honoring it. Why would Regent want to creat ill-will with their best customers?

Pam, I'm with you--happy to be Silver for the foreseeable future, although I have yet to use any of the perqs. I have too many places on my list to visit and revisit that I would rather visit by land.

Although I have become addicted to the rolling of the ship, I must admit. I actually liked all the action we had on SAND (while others were feeling ill.) So maybe when we retire we'll make gold doing crossings.

I am going to call Ft. Lauderdale and get a physical address and name of the person in charge of these tier benefits, so those of us who are disappointed in their new (less enhanced) tier benefits can all write letters (and encourage others who are approaching tiers where benefits have been taken away).

There is no way we can expect Ngaire to "fix" this for us. She is a large producer for RSSC, but she is one voice, and I think a grassroots mailing campaign may be more in order.

Any of you who saved the details of this program as they were supposed to be applied as of April 1, 2006, I would suggest you send a copy along with your letter.

He he Robert....Steamy would go well with the LCTers, LOL!

but I do recall reading about Beth's experience and I was like THE LAUNDRY ROOM! I like doing my laundry there, but cocktails!! <img border="0" alt="[c]" title="" src="graemlins/c.gif" />

So well said, Arlene!!

I just had my first real laugh today! :D Thanks!!

Okay I finally caught up with this thread (and my USPS mail box).

First of all, I think we all agree that the "enhancements" are anything but...they did all this fancy surveying in the last few months, for this? Geez, there should be some free cruises or cruise nights once you hit Platninum, at least! (and give the golds some free nights!).

Personally, I have used the free phone as Silver on our May 06 Alaska cruise, had never used it before but it was great to be able to call home and talk to the girls every other day or so. So I for one like the free phone (and used every minute of it!). and of course the free internet

But really, the program is a joke, and no real eyegetters (e.g. free cruise/free cruise nights for the heavy sailers) What about category upgrades (based on availability of course) for everyone once you hit silver??

I'm all for the grassroots campaign!! Sign me up!!

Thank you Analuisa for joining us again! I first met Analuisa in person climbing in the opposite direction in a deck stair on MINT on our first day! We knew each other from our posted pictures!

I have called Regent, and although Gair O'Neill, whom most of us on MUSH contacted regarding our expenses with that cruise problem is the highest "Guest Relations Person" he is not the person to contact for this particular issue as he deals with issues on the ship. I am told, we should send our letters to:

Ms. Rose Clarke
Guest Relations Manager
Regent Seven Seas
1000 Corporate Drive
Suite 500
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33334

I think that complaints should reach the right level. Otherwise they might get get lost (like it might in say, an e-mail to Mark Conroy that would get read by who knows who). Rose is supposed to be the one with the ear to these issues. I hope any of you who care to will send her a snail mail, which always has more impact than e-mail. Only if we do this will they really know our feelings on this matter!

I will do it!!!! Analuisa is a young sweetheart - SOOOO bright, good to have for our tier "discussions, Olivia, and trivia?? If she's in the room hope to be on her team - Tony and I enjoyed her family on Mint - Joanna

Joanna, you know I'm no good at trivia like many on lct, but I sure do like looking out for the perks that we have earned even if not good on trivia!! Not many of the regular posters here have less than free internet, and I hope others will ge there soon! When you get to free pressing, you used to feel "special"! Maybe because I don't know how to pack with all that plastic wrap! I come with newly drycleaned clothes, and they are wrinkled! I loved when I got to that status that is no longer.

AGREE O!!!!! Well said - people ask me all the time "you must have some great perks after all your cruises?" My response :b: :b:

Count me in, as well! Although we are only at Silver tier level, I do feel loyalty should be recognized, appreciated and justly rewarded. Each and every one of us certainly could select other cruising options and many times, do. However, more times than not, we choose Regent. Loyalty should have it's perks. The more loyalty, the more perks. And, not "token" perks (no, not trivia tokens!)that, in essence, have no real value and worth.

I had been in contact with Rose at the time the RSSC letters were being generated, giving breakdown of cruises/nights and we did not receive our letter after a very long wait. I found her to be extremely responsive, caring and pro-active in resolving our matter. Hopefully, she can be our "collective voice" in this very pressing and important issue.

I'm just surprised with the lurking RSSC corporate does on this board, and the amount/quality of ideas given here (FOR FREE!! A FREE FOCUS GROUP!!), they haven't had the light bulb go off on what people want for their loyalty to the RSSC. It's not the first time we have talked about this!!

Olivia!! :lct:

And, it may well not be the last time, either. I hope that's not the case!

Sad they have done such a poor job for tier perks - we all have been such great supporters and have encouraged others to try Regent - so sorry this discussion has to take place - I will admit I was "hot" after 100 plus nights to lose lousy pressing - what kind of a real perk is that after 8 cruises??

Actually, from some earlier correspondence with her, I'd say Rose Clark is exactly the person to talk to given that her title (in the earlier correspodence) was listed as:

Rose Clarke │ Manager, Loyalty Program
Regent Seven Seas Cruises │ 1000 Corporate Drive, Suite 500, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33334
tel: 954.940.7459 │ fax: 954.491.8913 │ www.TheRegentExperience.com

I cannot compliment Rose Clarke enough. For each problem I have presented her with, she has found a reasonable solution. She has followed through with each problem and not allowed them to just drop. But I am sure there are areas in which she does not have jurisdiction.

She is such a nice lady. She and her mother were on Voyager when we were on, in late August.

Count me in too for the grass roots campaign! Although we still have pressing and laundry at the Platinum level....this bar too could be raised and we're not yet to Titanium (though others here on LCT are).

I'm going to take my original Tier Benefits card received last April on all future cruises to prevent what was given to be taken away!

I wanted to confirm my category and get explanations of the benefits. Since we sail on Tusday on Mariner, and since I am a ten minute drive from Corporate offices, I walked in and met Rose Clarke. She is a very charming lady, and told me that I am in Gold category. I get 2 hours of free phone calls to anywhere in the world, and that internet is free. Now I can get the 3 newspapers that I get every day on my internet. I can confirm,by phone, the private tours that I arrange, and keep in touch with my family.
All of the above are satisfactory as far as I am concerned. It is impossible to satisfy everyone, and so it seems to me that Regent are doing a very good balancing act with perks, and much of the credit goes to Rose Clarke and the many suggestions she receives. And, of course the criticisms which go with them.
Now I can post our 'cruisenews' which can keep me occupied in the a.m's since I arise at about 5.
My best wishes for 2007 to all you sailors.
Anyone sail with Capt. Romeo ?

Neviboy, I think the point that many of the Gold LCT members are making is certainly legitimate. There are perks that were promised with much hype and enthusiasm that are now being revoked.

can someone find the link to the old perks? I'd be curious to see them. I would do it myself, but the wifi onboard isn't that good...i've already lost this post 2x and trying for a third.

Neviboy, if you didn't know what your "category" was, perhaps you have not sailed since this program was launched. What some of us here are complaining about are perks that we enjoyed since inception, but that have been taken away. Yes, I enjoyed the free internet that comes with only 21 days on Radisson, as well as an hour of free phone time. But if you enjoyed perks that were in place after that have now been taken away (like free pressing for Gold and daily canapes for Platinum) you might feel differently. NONE of my commentary on this issue has anything to do with Rose Clarke, about whom I have never heard anything but accolades. I never meant to say it was her doing that our benefits have been reduced in my mind. This is a corporate decision for sure. She is the one who has to do their bidding, so to speak, and take the heat for it. Has nothing to do with her personally.

Gil, I think those links are forever lost, as Regent has changed them. What is your category, and I can tell you what you got last year, and what you get now.

Gil,

I sent you an email with what we were given during the 2006 WC.

Peggy

I have the original .pdf file sitting on my computer desktop, but it won't let me do any kind of c/p.