The note seemed to be a ham handed attempt to counter-label the Pollyannas as being something that they aren't. The inability to avoid name-calling burned any attempt at balance and credibility it sought to push forward.

I'm doubly amused because it talks about "50" and seems to take it literally, when I'm very sure there are far more than that among the Royal Champions.

Now, in the department of full disclosure, I am one of the Royal Champions. Though very specifically I am NOT one tapped for drivel posted on the notable major website mentioned. I got called back in 07 to cruise on Liberty of the Seas on a pre-inuagural, and until I got on the ship, I thought it was due to having met somebody a few months earlier, or simply luck from being in Crown and Anchor. Likewise, I was told there were a flurry of people, beyond the "top posters" who were invited, and that is where I got my call from. I run a website which you can look up if you like. (I'm proud to say its among the top 23 results Google produces for Royal Caribbean.) And I sure didn't get any cash for the two days work I lost in going on the cruise, or the plane ticket I bought, or the mountain of swag I brought home.

So I read the article and frankly find it a weak swipe at the industry and what it basically admits is a common and not even wrong practice. The need to call folks shills, pr parasites, and mouthpieces, while inaccurately spouting about something it clearly has little understanding of is laughable.

if I could receive a free cruise I would write a very very positive review. Only fore cruises from 7 day up. So I have been honest....... Now you're fine people of CT would you.

Seriously, I have no desire to become an "official" Royal Caribbean cheerleader. I think most of you know I really like Royal Caribbean and Celebrity, but that doesn't mean I'm so crazy over the lines that I won't cruise on anything else.

Even though these "Royal Champions" are not paid, they do have an incentive to promote the line and say positive things. I'm sure they are also careful not to be too critical of anything RCCL does for fear of being ousted from the club.

To me, it's not appealing at all.

I took, and still take pride in having been one of, if not the only website owner to have gotten tapped to go on Liberty. I worked darn hard to build that site, based simply a sincere love being on those ships. Getting that cruise, it was a big thrill, and to me, a validation of all the work I put into my hobby.

Heck, I've put my site on my resume, it put me in the interview which landed the job I have now. I even made note of the invitation in talking to my employer. Silly as it might sound, it was a feather in my cap as somebody who works in e-commerce and web development.

In short, I milked it until the cow imploded. And I am very sure I've gained vastly more from the trip than RCI did from having me on it.

Anyway, the more I read about what is going on with these posters, the more I realized I don't want to be confused with them directly.

quote:

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Originally posted by PamM:
If someone gets a free 2 nighter they are hardly likely to write a harsh review as they won't be getting another free trip.

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quote:

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Originally posted by Malcolm @ cruisepage:

This could explain why I don't get free cruises.

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Me too! I don't get invited to any of the cheerleading clubs either! Go figure.

I really wouldn't have it any other way. I like speaking my mind.

Now can I go with him?

Really though, is that not the solution we need to focus on: All the cruise lines need to send me on a free cruise, so I can be totally fair and objective.

Hard work I know, but I will make the effort for all of you!

[ 03-12-2009: Message edited by: NWLB ]

quote:

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Originally posted by Malcolm @ cruisepage:
This could explain why I don't get free cruises.

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