Disappointed

The only special offer (aside from the normal two that are always there) was a 2 day cruise from California.

 

Yeah, like I might fly across the country for a two day cruise.

 

The special offers thing IS a joke.

I think it depends on when you book... I am gold and booked in January for an August cruise. When I booked I got an upgrade, $50 obc, and my rate was about $20 less per person.

 

I have booked in the past for fall/winter cruises and have got nothing at all.

I would ask the Diamond/Plats of the world, what is your expectation? What exactly do you want? I believe it was another thread, one poster claimed that out of 2100 passengers, 1900 were Dias/Plats. I would have never guessed it was close to a majority that are Dias/Plats on a cruise. So if Carnival is sailing full most if not all cruises, so there isn't a need to get people on board, I would like to know from the Dias/Plats out there what should Carnival be giving?

Without looking it up Dias/Plats get:

Priority Boarding

Priority Desembark

Priority Tendering

Priority MDR timeslots

Private Party

Laundry Service

Guest Services Line

 

I am sure there are other perks that I didn't list.

What else do you want/think you deserve that Carnival isn't offering?

But the thing is, according to recent statements by Carnival's chief marketing officer and their VP of partnerships & loyalty, they're looking to concentrate more of their efforts on building loyalty through a genuine like for the product rather than the free perks cruisers get. Not that the perks will ever go away, I don't believe they'd ever attempt that, but there's a cost to keep long-time, loyal cruisers happy when those cruisers base their own loyalty on "What are you going to give me?" So for the higher tiered cruisers to ask for more would only reinforce Carnival's endeavors to cultivate loyalty through an actual enjoyment of the product.

 

It makes sense, in my opinion. Building a relationship with cruisers who aren't so concerned about the freebies not only costs the company less, but also is a more stable foundation, so to speak, to build brand loyalty on. Many who only remain loyal primarily for the free perks either keep asking for more or badmouth the company when something changes that makes them feel less taken care of. It's hard to say what the end result will be, if they are in fact planning to revamp the loyalty system. I don't think they'll turn their back on one group or another. If their goal is to build brand loyalty through a genuinely good product for a good price, then they must continue to put out a good product to keep everyone happy. That benefits everyone, does it not?

We actually looked into MSC Divina. They had great deals and actually pretty ended up being significantly cheaper than Carnival even for a balcony with the Fantastica package which includes alcohol. They also do status match of any other cruise line. Another fun fact was that if your a government employee, like police officer or teacher, they receive 10% off per person.

To their credit, Carnival is looking into revamping the loyalty program, in part, to include third-party loyalty programs partnered with Carnival. They're goal is to continue the relationship with its cruisers even when they're not cruising because they recognize, for many, cruises don't come every year. Their chief marketing officer said, "The eventual goal is to enhance the loyalty program to develop partnerships that allow for tier matching or enhancement benefits with partner programs." Granted, the tier matching she speaks of is with partner programs, so I think it's doubtful they'll match someone's status with a competitor's line, but it is something.

 

Carnival offers a reduced price for military, but it only applies to active-duty, reserves, and retired. It appears to leave out regular Veterans in general. The military rate seems to be about equal to the Early Saver rate, which is usually only $20 pp less than Past Guest.

The only deals on Carnival are through the casino. With all these half off deposit promotions and $50 deposit promotions Carnival is making a killing on people booking and losing their deposit because they either can't afford the cruise or want to change the date. No need for real sales when people are biting on the fake ones. Every day on my other cruise pages there is at least one post asking when the next reduced deposit is and 3 post complaining about how Carnival "cheated" them because they wanted to change their cruise date and wound up losing their deposit.

 

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The only deals on Carnival are through the casino. With all these half off deposit promotions and $50 deposit promotions Carnival is making a killing on people booking and losing their deposit because they either can't afford the cruise or want to change the date. No need for real sales when people are biting on the fake ones. Every day on my other cruise pages there is at least one post asking when the next reduced deposit is and 3 post complaining about how Carnival "cheated" them because they wanted to change their cruise date and wound up losing their deposit.

 

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See a lot of those post here as well.

So, if you keep going on Carnival, why would they lower the price since you are willing to pay it?

 

 

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So, if you keep going on Carnival, why would they lower the price since you are willing to pay it?

 

 

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Not sure I understand the logic. How is that different than choosing another line (unless it is as some mass exodus).

 

 

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Not sure I understand the logic. How is that different than choosing another line (unless it is as some mass exodus).

 

 

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Not sure what you mean. The OP says has been on lots of cruises with Carnival but isn't getting many offers. Seems like Carnival doesn't have much incentive to lower the price if that's the case.

 

 

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Not sure what you mean. The OP says has been on lots of cruises with Carnival but isn't getting many offers. Seems like Carnival doesn't have much incentive to lower the price if that's the case.

 

 

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While everything is relative, when you are the value leader, the discounting (or sales) are fewer and farther in between. Unless people leave in droves, if someone decides to try something new, Carnival won't know the difference.

 

 

 

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Booked on 7 day cruise on the Splendor. Handicap accessible room. Booked almost a year out. We sail in November.

 

2 months ago I received a Casino offer. Called Carnival to see if they had a handicap accessible room in this offer. We had to move one cabin down and received $122 obc for price difference.

By the way we are also booked next November exact same week. So you can get offers when you are booked on one cruise or two cruises.

 

 

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I'm gold and don't really gamble. They just recently had 50 obc, 2 upgrades, and half off depsoit. The total was cheaper with vipp as well verses no prior number input.

What are they supposed to offer you and your 21 past cruises? What would make you happy?

 

 

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I'm gold and don't really gamble. They just recently had 50 obc, 2 upgrades, and half off depsoit. The total was cheaper with vipp as well verses no prior number input.

 

I had the same offer as you with only one cruise. neener, neener ;p :') :D

Just a thought from someone who is just coming back around to cruising - why not offer a BOGO deal at the steakhouse or something similar? Maybe someone really likes it and decides it's worth the extra $ on their next cruise. Or how about a couple free drink cards? Even Southwest gives those out, I have 4 hanging on my bulletin board.

 

I realize $50 in OBC potentially covers these things and others, but the above are perhaps a little different.

I had the same offer as you with only one cruise. neener, neener ;p :') :D

Awesome. ...I'm not really expecting any fantastic offer I don't make them alot money. Not big drinker or gambler so was like planning go on one anyway so sold ;p

My past guest offers, or VIFP offers, are exactly the same.

There are 2 offers.

1 is free 2 category upgrade Which isn't an upgrade to me at all. I like a lower deck.

Or choose your cabin. Carnival says, "check back often for changes" well...

these offers haven't changed in months.

 

With my 22nd Carnival cruise coming up in Sept, you'd think they would offer a little more, or at least a chance for something else.

 

Guess I'm just not a VIFP after all.

Vifp means nothing really,Except that if you book that rate you can get your deposit back with no penalties.

Several people ask me "what would make you happy"? Like I'm being greedy, or something. I don't know, maybe just something different than those same old 2 offers.

 

Where do people see the casino offers? I am in the casino every night, on my cruises. I spend around $400 to $500, plus whatever the machine happens to pay me. I have Never received any kind of casino offer. :(

GranysT check that the VIFP number on your sign and sail card matches the one you log into on the Carnival site. If they match, call a Casino Host and ask to be rated for VIFP offers. I find if I rack up 2000 points on slots I get a free drink card and useful bounce back offers. I receive Premier and Ultra Premier offers, but no sailings out of Long Beach, so I am out on those sailings.

Several people ask me "what would make you happy"? Like I'm being greedy, or something.

I wouldn't read the question that way. What people are asking is whether you're looking to be motivated to make more purchases in the future versus looking to get rewarded for the past. As I posted above, such programs are only cost justifiable on the basis of what they offer costing less to offer than how much additional profit they will bring in.

 

 

 

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Several people ask me "what would make you happy"? Like I'm being greedy, or something. I don't know, maybe just something different than those same old 2 offers.

 

Where do people see the casino offers? I am in the casino every night, on my cruises. I spend around $400 to $500, plus whatever the machine happens to pay me. I have Never received any kind of casino offer. :(

 

 

 

I was one of the people who asked, and it was a legit question. I was really trying to see what would be meaningful to you. My guess is that we all have different ideas on what a "deal" is.

 

In regards to your casino question, I am not a gambler, but it makes sense to me that you have to engage significant bucks on a nightly basis to qualify. If you use your sail and sign card, you can see your point accrual on a slot. Most of the people we travel with play tables and the ones that get the casino offer have wagered significant money over the length of the cruise (not necessarily lost - although almost always when they get the offer my response is what did you lose...then tell them there is nothing free about that offer).

 

 

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I would ask the Diamond/Plats of the world, what is your expectation? What exactly do you want? I believe it was another thread, one poster claimed that out of 2100 passengers, 1900 were Dias/Plats. I would have never guessed it was close to a majority that are Dias/Plats on a cruise. So if Carnival is sailing full most if not all cruises, so there isn't a need to get people on board, I would like to know from the Dias/Plats out there what should Carnival be giving?

Without looking it up Dias/Plats get:

Priority Boarding

Priority Desembark

Priority Tendering

Priority MDR timeslots

Private Party

Laundry Service

Guest Services Line

 

I am sure there are other perks that I didn't list.

What else do you want/think you deserve that Carnival isn't offering?

 

I have never experienced anywhere close to that many Diamond/Platinum guests on a Carnival cruise. My guess is that the OP who claimed this was probably on some kind of "speciality" cruise like the first to Cuba, a new ship sailing Europe, aTA crossing, a ship reposition, a Panama Canal transit or partial transit, a Journeys Cruise, or something like that. We try to avoid new ships for the first year or so, and always book at least a year early. Example: Over the last 3 years, we have booked the Magic a year in advance. We have paid the same $940.00 p/p cruise fare for a deck 7 balcony cabin all 3 years. To expect "fantastic" VIFP cruise deals is like expecting "fantastic" airline deals. The cruise industry is operating near capacity and has been for quite some time. You want deals? Book early, grab $50.00 down payment deals, buy the cabin you want, and watch the prices almost double before the cruise date. Then you will feel like you really got a deal.

The only deals on Carnival are through the casino. With all these half off deposit promotions and $50 deposit promotions Carnival is making a killing on people booking and losing their deposit because they either can't afford the cruise or want to change the date. No need for real sales when people are biting on the fake ones. Every day on my other cruise pages there is at least one post asking when the next reduced deposit is and 3 post complaining about how Carnival "cheated" them because they wanted to change their cruise date and wound up losing their deposit.

 

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Please explain to me how people lose their deposit. Even Early Saver will charge you a $50.00 change fee, but use whatever your deposit is for the old on the new cruise date reservation.

I would ask the Diamond/Plats of the world, what is your expectation? What exactly do you want? I believe it was another thread, one poster claimed that out of 2100 passengers, 1900 were Dias/Plats. I would have never guessed it was close to a majority that are Dias/Plats on a cruise. So if Carnival is sailing full most if not all cruises, so there isn't a need to get people on board, I would like to know from the Dias/Plats out there what should Carnival be giving?

Without looking it up Dias/Plats get:

Priority Boarding

Priority Desembark

Priority Tendering

Priority MDR timeslots

Private Party

Laundry Service

Guest Services Line

 

I am sure there are other perks that I didn't list.

What else do you want/think you deserve that Carnival isn't offering?

 

LOL!! Ok first of all I have been on 17 Carnival cruises and never seen that many Diamond/ Platinum guests . Lately the last 2 or 3 I have taken there are maybe 200-300 at the party .

Also , The so- called perks we get above except for the laundry and Private party any cruiser can now get for $50 FTTF pass for everyone in the cabin . Even if its your first cruise.

So I don't feel like being a loyal Carnival cruiser as platinum we are getting anything above and beyond what a first time cruise who pays the extra $50 is getting .

Can Carnival do something about it ABSOLUTLY . Will they NO, because they are selling cabins .

Do I whine and complain about it? No, I know the way it is and will still cruise with them because I enjoy the experience and I do have the option of other cruise lines which I have explored and taken .

I think the original poster was just stating that for some unknown reason the deals and perks ( including the casino) are all over the place . Its like they put everyone's name in a hat and choose every month what everyone will get . Some get nothing ever no matter how much the cruise, some get 2, 3 4, offers a year .

It would be nice if there were some kind of consistency to it. But again they don't have to have consistency because we all still book cruises .

Please explain to me how people lose their deposit. Even Early Saver will charge you a $50.00 change fee, but use whatever your deposit is for the old on the new cruise date reservation.

The promo is $50 deposit, so you explained it already...lol

 

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