What's the difference between priority and regular wait list?

One of the most frequently asked questions I receive is "what's the difference between the priority wait list and the regular wait list?"

Here's how I understand it:

The priority wait listers were charged the deposit (hopefully refunded by now) but did not get a confirmation number or assigned cabin. In other cases, they received a confirmation number, but the room was double booked. A common problem would be if two groups registered on the same computer. The first group goes through no problem. The second group seems to book okay, but in the end gets the same confirmation number/assigned room as their friends.

Priority wait listers were not given a number, but as @heathermarie79 tells me, will be given rooms in the order their credit cards were charged.

Regular wait listers signed up online after the cruise sold out. They were given a confirmation number (starting at or around 2400). Regular wait listers won't be given rooms until the priority wait listers have been confirmed. Those who have spoken to Rose Tours tell me that they've been told it will be several weeks - probably not until the next payment is due - before they should expect to hear anything.