In a move that most of us knew had to happen, Royal Caribbean International recently announced that Crown & Anchor Diamond members will no longer enjoy Concierge Lounge access on its ships effective July 1.  This change along with others was recently announced on their website.  Suite guests and Diamond Plus members of RCI’s Crown & Anchor Society will continue to enjoy Concierge access on ships that have the lounges.  Not all of them do.  And Diamond members will continue to enjoy access to dedicated Diamond Clubs on Freedom and Genesis Class ships.

I’ve enjoyed Concierge access as a Diamond member and will miss this benefit.  However, I understand the reasons behind the move.  Frankly, the lounges were just too crowded.  As the popularity of cruising has evolved, the number of people obtaining Diamond status (10 cruise credits) has increased.  I’ll continue to choose Royal Caribbean ahead of other cruise lines, and obtain Diamond Plus status soon enough.