Any guesses on what and when the new vifp will be?

Wonder how many of those '10 Cruise only' Platinums are still under 75 days? Platinum at 30 days would make it a long haul to Diamond.

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I totally agree with others on the space between Platinum and Diamond. Since 2003, I have 17 cruises and 175 days with Carnival. My mistake was not going back over to Royal in 2013 when they started double points for solos. Carnival will have to add some unique itineraries, or I probably won't ever reach Diamond. Will have to wait and see what the new ships in 2020 and 2022 offer in Europe and TA.

I reach Diamond (80days) this year on Royal, and with the other cruises I have booked will hit Diamond Plus (175days) in Apr/2019. A lot easier to hit levels as a solo traveler.

Wonder how many of those '10 Cruise only' Platinums are still under 75 days? Platinum at 30 days would make it a long haul to Diamond.

Me!!!

We were Platinum at 49 days and have no regrets. We will hit 75 nights on our next cruise.

Not too worried about Diamond. There's really no perk that I have to have.

In fact, we feel the same about Platinum. Early boarding is the only perk we use. We have no desire to use laundry or the other perks.

Although my DW is Platinum (grandmothered in?), I'm still Gold. I do think it's a wise business decision for all cruise lines to offer some recognition in the form of perks to repeat cruisers. It helps to establish their brand and possibly encourage others to continue cruising on that particular line. But I am a bit appalled by the sense of "entitlement" being exhibited on this thread and others by platinum and diamond cruisers. It's a perk folks. Granted by the cruise line. Cruise lines giveth and cruise lines taketh away. Look at the changes airlines go through annually, if not more frequently on the perks they offer for frequent flyer miles. Very difficult to get an upgrade to first class anymore. Takes more to earn "free" flights. Less mileage per flight. And yes frequent flyers piss and groan about it, yet they still fly. People who try to "game" the mileage often get gobsmacked when changes occur. So book a cruise for the cruise. Book a ship for the ship. Book as frequently as you can afford. And accept the perks offered as offered, but quit barking for more. and let the rest of us hoi-polloi have some peace and quiet to enjoy our cruises.

Kathy Mayor, the chief marketing officer had said the cruise line wants to cultivate loyalty from passengers who are enthusiastic about the brand, not just driven by the promise of perks. So many people here who are saying, "Better not take my perks away!" and "CCL's perks stink, I'm leaving them (or left them)." Those are the very people they want to get away from and begin building a brand with customers who actually enjoy the product more than the perks that come with it. To me, that kind of loyalty builds a better foundation for a relationship between customer and company. Not as "shaky" as those who keep threatening to leave, and keep badmouthing the company, because of perks they're getting or not getting.

From a business standpoint, I perfectly understand Carnival's reasons for looking at it that way. It costs them a lot of money keep the ones happy whose driving force is primarily the perks. Once they get some, they soon grow tired of them, then want more. In Mayor's own words, “When it comes to choice, we would rather it be attitudinal-based loyalty rather than just behavior-based,” she said. “So we’re not just bribing you with points.”

It's not to say they'll do away with perks, because they won't. They're just saying they'd like people to be loyal to Carnival because they enjoy the product, not only because they enjoy the perks. I think this is good for everyone. In order to get passengers to actually enjoy the product and gain their loyalty, the company has to continue to put forth a good product. And that benefits everyone. Who doesn't want that?

I love cruising and Carnival has given me many many good happy memories! And therefore, I will be on my 29 Carnival cruise coming up. So, the number of cruises and sea days that you take with them, definetly shows your loyalty to Carnival ... I would say bring back the Welcome Aboard Party to everyone, not just us Platinums and Diamonds. I think some people started feeling left out when they always got to go the the Welcome party, and then they were not. That would definetly be a start. Bring back the little things, like the Andes mints on your pillow (not the choclate that they switched to that just wasn't that good), bring back the Hurricane glasses that the Drink of the Day came in (without paying extra)... something about those just said "Hey, I am on my cruise, the fun begins now!" Sometimes, it just the little things...

i agree. There have been people that have reached platinum status for taking ten three day cruises in an inside cabin on the lowest decks. We've cruised carnival ten, seven day cruises in a balcony cabin on the panorama deck and still aren't platinum. We gave carnival a lot more money than those that reached it with the cheaper cabins.

:):d:)

I agree with going back to the little stuff like Buckeye said.... I miss the Carnival funship hurricane glasses, the chocolates on the pillow, etc. I always enjoyed the past guest party that was offered to gold+, then they took that away from gold and now give it to Platinum+, but only on 5+ day sailings. Got me wondering, since Platinum don't get the past guest party for for 3 or 4 day cruises, do they give a drink coupon to Platinum guests on those cruises?

I agree with going back to the little stuff like Buckeye said.... I miss the Carnival funship hurricane glasses, the chocolates on the pillow, etc. I always enjoyed the past guest party that was offered to gold+, then they took that away from gold and now give it to Platinum+, but only on 5+ day sailings. Got me wondering, since Platinum don't get the past guest party for for 3 or 4 day cruises, do they give a drink coupon to Platinum guests on those cruises?

Platinum gets all the perks of Gold, including a drink coupon.

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My guess is that you'll see a few more things added to red and gold (platinum and diamond will end up with those same things as well). Things likes discounts or buy one, get one offers.

A BOGO drink coupon (1 time use) would be nice and does not really cost them that much. Personally, it would probably be just an extra drink that I would buy over and above what I was planning on, so they would technically make money. And for those that don't drink- no loss. It would make up for the loss of the "free drink" that they used to give for red and gold at the sea day brunch. Maybe something like $5 or $10 match for casino. Again, does not really cost them and you still have to pay to use it. They would probably make money on that with people that don't normally do the casino, especially since most people tend to lose.

Given the "great" changes they made last time when they created red and demoted people from gold to red, I don't expect too much. But it would be nice. I would also like to see a few amenities for gold (mainly because DH and I are gold right now). There really is nothing- except a pin and bottle of water. I know a lot of people are gold, but it seems like every other line gives something better.

I love cruising and Carnival has given me many many good happy memories! And therefore, I will be on my 29 Carnival cruise coming up. So, the number of cruises and sea days that you take with them, definetly shows your loyalty to Carnival ... I would say bring back the Welcome Aboard Party to everyone, not just us Platinums and Diamonds. I think some people started feeling left out when they always got to go the the Welcome party, and then they were not. That would definetly be a start. Bring back the little things, like the Andes mints on your pillow (not the choclate that they switched to that just wasn't that good), bring back the Hurricane glasses that the Drink of the Day came in (without paying extra)... something about those just said "Hey, I am on my cruise, the fun begins now!" Sometimes, it just the little things...

Yeah these things. And I am one of those that got upset with the changes about the past guest parties. First I was demoted from gold to red (one cruise only then I got back up to gold). Then they disinvited golds from the past guest party, just as my DH finally turned gold. I get why they did it and that there are a lot of golds on the ship. And they can't afford to open the party for them. But give us something else. It will be quite a while before I make platinum. Maybe never, because although I have been on a lot of cruises, I like to shop around. I still plan on trying NCL and MSC when the right deal comes along. And if I could afford it, Celebrity would be my cruise line of choice. So just because I cruise does not mean all will be on Carnival. And I will vacation other places besides cruises...

Of course I would not choose a cruise line based upon repeat guest perks, but if they think it does not factor in at all, they are wrong. Its not the driving factor, but it does contribute to the value of the experience. Right now Carnival is not always the best value for me. And its the little things that have chipped away at the value. Bring a couple of those little things back or give me something new and it may tip things back to Carnival. There was a time that I only cruised Carnival. If you look at my signature and cruise history, you will see that my first several cruises were Carnival. I only started "cheating" recently. :)

Yeah these things. And I am one of those that got upset with the changes about the past guest parties. First I was demoted from gold to red (one cruise only then I got back up to gold). Then they disinvited golds from the past guest party, just as my DH finally turned gold. I get why they did it and that there are a lot of golds on the ship. And they can't afford to open the party for them. But give us something else. It will be quite a while before I make platinum. Maybe never, because although I have been on a lot of cruises, I like to shop around. I still plan on trying NCL and MSC when the right deal comes along. And if I could afford it, Celebrity would be my cruise line of choice. So just because I cruise does not mean all will be on Carnival. And I will vacation other places besides cruises...

 

Of course I would not choose a cruise line based upon repeat guest perks, but if they think it does not factor in at all, they are wrong. Its not the driving factor, but it does contribute to the value of the experience. Right now Carnival is not always the best value for me. And its the little things that have chipped away at the value. Bring a couple of those little things back or give me something new and it may tip things back to Carnival. There was a time that I only cruised Carnival. If you look at my signature and cruise history, you will see that my first several cruises were Carnival. I only started "cheating" recently. :)

I personally don't appreciate the way Carnival has handled the changes in tiers because those who have cruised longer aren't going away, and those who have just begun cruising will never catch up, or keep having the rug pulled out from under them -- yes, I was gold, then demoted, now gold again, and most likely demoted again. I've already booked on royal Caribbean along with my three cruises I booked on Carnival because there was no incentive to remain loyal. At least with the airlines (even with their changes) you still have the possibility of earning something for your loyalty and it doesn't have to be earned or used flying.

NCL Sunward 1974

NCL Starward 1978

Costa Daphne 1982

Carnival Triumph 2001

Carnival Conquests 2005

Carnival Magic 2014

Yeah these things. And I am one of those that got upset with the changes about the past guest parties. First I was demoted from gold to red (one cruise only then I got back up to gold). Then they disinvited golds from the past guest party, just as my DH finally turned gold. I get why they did it and that there are a lot of golds on the ship. And they can't afford to open the party for them. But give us something else. It will be quite a while before I make platinum. Maybe never, because although I have been on a lot of cruises, I like to shop around. I still plan on trying NCL and MSC when the right deal comes along. And if I could afford it, Celebrity would be my cruise line of choice. So just because I cruise does not mean all will be on Carnival. And I will vacation other places besides cruises...

 

Of course I would not choose a cruise line based upon repeat guest perks, but if they think it does not factor in at all, they are wrong. Its not the driving factor, but it does contribute to the value of the experience. Right now Carnival is not always the best value for me. And its the little things that have chipped away at the value. Bring a couple of those little things back or give me something new and it may tip things back to Carnival. There was a time that I only cruised Carnival. If you look at my signature and cruise history, you will see that my first several cruises were Carnival. I only started "cheating" recently. :)

I'm sure they know perks factor into the decision making process for a lot of cruisers. What they want to get away from are the ones who base their loyalty primarily on the free perks they're given. I can't blame Carnival for feeling that way. They see a lot of loyal customers badmouthing the company, threatening to sail with another line, or actually leaving and sailing with another line, all because they're upset about their free perks. They're not enough, they want more, etc. They don't want that kind of PR from people who are supposed to be loyal. Can you blame them? They'd rather cultivate a relationship with cruisers who become loyal because they enjoy the brand & enjoy the product. Sure perks are great and I don't think they'll ever go away, but they simply don't want to have to rely on perks to create loyalty. From a business standpoint, all the free perks cost them a lot of money. If they want to build loyalty based on a good product, I think that's a good thing because a good product benefits all of us.

From what I've read, it looks like they're taking a good look at revamping the lower tiers of the loyalty program. Simply put, that's where loyalty begins. They want to get the first and second time cruisers to become third time cruisers because that's when they feel someone begins to become loyal to their brand. As a newer cruiser, I'm not going to complain because it shows they recognize us, too. At the same time, the free perks aren't what's going to keep us coming back to Carnival for years to come. We're more interested in the overall product. Without a good product, they have nothing.

I'm also fully aware that Carnival knows new cruisers are to their benefit because we didn't cruise with, for example, chocolates on the pillows or tablecloths in the MDR, so we're not going to complain that they're gone. Honestly, even if I had cruised with those things back then, I wouldn't be complaining about them now because things like that aren't what's going to keep me coming back. Along those same lines, I'm sure there's things we enjoy now that probably won't be around in the future. It's just a matter of deciding if those things are a big enough deal to take our business elsewhere.

We are Platinum,too; however, I understand why they can't let everyone traveling with a platinum member board early with them. As more and more Cruisers became Platinum and Diamond, it became a logistics problem. Anyone in your cabin and minor children in another cabin can board with you. That seems reasonable to me. I would not expect our 3 kids, their spouses, and my 4 grandchildren to be able to board with us.

We are Platinum, too. I agree with you. People traveling with Platinum or diamond can purchase FTTF or meet them on the ship. If everyone wants to board together, the Platinum guests can wait and board with the others in their party. Some Platinum are upset that FTTF lets people board early because they have not "earned" it. (Personally, I do not have a problem with FTTF as it is controlled by allowing only a specific number of cabins.). Letting people board just because they are traveling with a Diamond or Platinum should not be allowed. There are so many Platinum that it would add a lot of early boarders.

As the airlines have done, look for them to add a spending component to the various tiers.

You, as a consumer, have every right to cruise with other lines. That's not a bad thing, competition is good. But can you see the contradiction you create when you say you want more loyalty perks from Carnival, yet you're someone who isn't necessarily loyal to their brand? Look at it from their point of view. If they have a bunch of cruisers who say they want more loyalty perks but are only going to be kinda sorta loyal, they're not going to want to reward that.

 

I'm sure they know perks factor into the decision making process for a lot of cruisers. What they want to get away from are the ones who base their loyalty primarily on the free perks they're given. I can't blame Carnival for feeling that way. They see a lot of loyal customers badmouthing the company, threatening to sail with another line, or actually leaving and sailing with another line, all because they're upset about their free perks. They're not enough, they want more, etc. They don't want that kind of PR from people who are supposed to be loyal. Can you blame them? They'd rather cultivate a relationship with cruisers who become loyal because they enjoy the brand & enjoy the product. Sure perks are great and I don't think they'll ever go away, but they simply don't want to have to rely on perks to create loyalty. From a business standpoint, all the free perks cost them a lot of money. If they want to build loyalty based on a good product, I think that's a good thing because a good product benefits all of us.

 

From what I've read, it looks like they're taking a good look at revamping the lower tiers of the loyalty program. Simply put, that's where loyalty begins. They want to get the first and second time cruisers to become third time cruisers because that's when they feel someone begins to become loyal to their brand. As a newer cruiser, I'm not going to complain because it shows they recognize us, too. At the same time, the free perks aren't what's going to keep us coming back to Carnival for years to come. We're more interested in the overall product. Without a good product, they have nothing.

 

I'm also fully aware that Carnival knows new cruisers are to their benefit because we didn't cruise with, for example, chocolates on the pillows or tablecloths in the MDR, so we're not going to complain that they're gone. Honestly, even if I had cruised with those things back then, I wouldn't be complaining about them now because things like that aren't what's going to keep me coming back. Along those same lines, I'm sure there's things we enjoy now that probably won't be around in the future. It's just a matter of deciding if those things are a big enough deal to take our business elsewhere.

But that is my point. I am not loyal to Carnival because they keep eroding their product. They are just no longer the best value to me all the time. If they provided a consistently good product that met all of my needs, then I would probably continue to use them. I have used the same shampoo, toothpaste and laundry detergent brand for years. I am a brand loyalist when I get a good product.

Perks don't make me come back to Carnival, but taking them away negatively impacts me. Tablecloths, pillow chocolates, past guest parties, Free drink coupon, twice per day service, etc, don't individually make or break my cruise, but if you take them all away , it starts to make me wonder if this is worth what I am paying. Especially if someone else will give me all or most of those things without the price being too much higher. And sometimes that is the case.

I am all for them creating "brand loyalty" but what I am saying is that you don't do that by continuing to water down your product until it is unrecognizable. Little things add up.

Plus, when you are relatively similar to everything else, something has to set you apart. If its not price, it should be amenities. Because the world is changing and people don't just stick with one brand just because if that brand isn't doing it anymore.

We are Platinum,too; however, I understand why they can't let everyone traveling with a platinum member board early with them. As more and more Cruisers became Platinum and Diamond, it became a logistics problem. Anyone in your cabin and minor children in another cabin can board with you. That seems reasonable to me. I would not expect our 3 kids, their spouses, and my 4 grandchildren to be able to board with us.

 

We are Platinum, too. I agree with you. People traveling with Platinum or diamond can purchase FTTF or meet them on the ship. If everyone wants to board together, the Platinum guests can wait and board with the others in their party. Some Platinum are upset that FTTF lets people board early because they have not "earned" it. (Personally, I do not have a problem with FTTF as it is controlled by allowing only a specific number of cabins.). Letting people board just because they are traveling with a Diamond or Platinum should not be allowed. There are so many Platinum that it would add a lot of early boarders.

But that is my point. I am not loyal to Carnival because they keep eroding their product. They are just no longer the best value to me all the time. If they provided a consistently good product that met all of my needs, then I would probably continue to use them. I have used the same shampoo, toothpaste and laundry detergent brand for years. I am a brand loyalist when I get a good product.

 

Perks don't make me come back to Carnival, but taking them away negatively impacts me. Tablecloths, pillow chocolates, past guest parties, Free drink coupon, twice per day service, etc, don't individually make or break my cruise, but if you take them all away , it starts to make me wonder if this is worth what I am paying. Especially if someone else will give me all or most of those things without the price being too much higher. And sometimes that is the case.

 

I am all for them creating "brand loyalty" but what I am saying is that you don't do that by continuing to water down your product until it is unrecognizable. Little things add up.

 

Plus, when you are relatively similar to everything else, something has to set you apart. If its not price, it should be amenities. Because the world is changing and people don't just stick with one brand just because if that brand isn't doing it anymore.

For me, chocolates and tablecloths don't make for a good cruising experience. We go to restaurants with tablecloths and they don't affect my opinion of the dining experience. I understand that those kinds of things create an environment and, like you said, it's often the little things that can make a difference, but I personally won't even factor those two things into my own decision making. As a red, the only thing we get extra is the free 1 liter bottle of water. If that's taken away, that's ok, because it's insignificant to us compared to the total package. I can see where bigger things, like free drink coupons or parties, could affect someone's opinion.

But isn't is the price that primarily sets Carnival apart from the rest? That's what they're known for, affordability. With that said, affordability can only get them so far. The final product matters greatly. I won't go on a crappy cruise just because it's cheap. It has to be a good product, too. That's why I hope they mean what they say when they say they want to build brand loyalty based on a good product.

I hope they come up with a better way than straight up days. Days spent in a suite, and days spent in steerage shouldn't have the same value.

If they aren't going to offer another level between Platinum and Diamond - I'd like them to give the ability to "earn" additional points. Booking a suite...booking early, etc to help get to that next level!

 

OP ~ it literally took YEARS for the current system to be rolled out. I have no reason to believe that there will be anything quickly this time either! :rolleyes: But it's fun to kick around ideas while we wait. ;):cool:

That's a good idea, I like the chance to add additional points for adding premium services.

I hope they come up with a better way than straight up days. Days spent in a suite, and days spent in steerage shouldn't have the same value.

I understand your feelings but take exception at you calling it steerage! Judge much?! Makes me think of the Titanic!!

Pat

Just remember last change we all lost.

I find a lot of skewed ideas here. Me, I'd rather have minimal perks and the overall cruise price lower. :) Don't people realize, chocolates, parties etc all cost MONEY?? I kind of shake my head with the claims of "loyality" looking for lowering of qualifications on already pretty minimal standards. How "loyal" do you really think you are when you cruise once/twice/three times per year? It's only a matter of time before there are thousands of Diamonds- it is NOT that hard to accomplish. Then how "special" do you think that will be?

Flame away, I'm a long time, frequent cruiser who sails multiple lines. I choose for the itinerary- which is my priority. Cruising is a great value. So I'd rather have minimal costs involved in any perks. I don't sail for those.

I'd like to see points commensurate with what we pay for the cruises. I always book a suite and get same amount of points as someone in an inside cabin at a fraction of the cost. Amenities in a suite are nil except for the size of the cabin. Even just a coffee maker (as was promised) would be appreciated. Still a suite is cheaper on Carnival than any other cruise line.

Wonder how many of those '10 Cruise only' Platinums are still under 75 days? Platinum at 30 days would make it a long haul to Diamond.

 

 

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Raising hand, I'm one. 62 days. What I miss the most is not the perks, it's the attention. Prior to some cut backs, we interacted with and became more acquainted with the staff who served us, from our waiters to cabin stewards.

I would take less perks to have that again.

I hope they come up with a better way than straight up days. Days spent in a suite, and days spent in steerage shouldn't have the same value.

I find a lot of skewed ideas here. Me, I'd rather have minimal perks and the overall cruise price lower. :) Don't people realize, chocolates, parties etc all cost MONEY?? I kind of shake my head with the claims of "loyality" looking for lowering of qualifications on already pretty minimal standards. How "loyal" do you really think you are when you cruise once/twice/three times per year? It's only a matter of time before there are thousands of Diamonds- it is NOT that hard to accomplish. Then how "special" do you think that will be?

 

Flame away, I'm a long time, frequent cruiser who sails multiple lines. I choose for the itinerary- which is my priority. Cruising is a great value. So I'd rather have minimal costs involved in any perks. I don't sail for those.

I'm not sure what you mean by the comment I highlighted in red. Are you saying people who cruise once, twice, or three times a year can't be loyal? The chief marketing officer and VP of loyalty & partnerships for Carnival disagree with you. They recognize that many people only cruise once every year or two. They know those people can still be loyal. That's why they'd like to build new partnerships with other companies that would allow people to continue to earn a loyalty standing (for a lack of a better phrase) even when they're not cruising. Something that can carry over from everyday lives to the next cruise. At the same time, their thought is that it keeps those people's minds on Carnival in hopes that they choose them when the time does come to cruise again. The customer gets something (the ability to earn benefits even when they're not cruising) and Carnival gets something (repeat customers). Win win.

I'd like to see points commensurate with what we pay for the cruises. I always book a suite and get same amount of points as someone in an inside cabin at a fraction of the cost. Amenities in a suite are nil except for the size of the cabin. Even just a coffee maker (as was promised) would be appreciated. Still a suite is cheaper on Carnival than any other cruise line.

Perks are the carrot "dangling in front" for allot of cruisers, others take em or leave em, some will pay more for amenities because they are important to their experience and comforts, others cruise with no notice given to the amount of amenities. But these days it just seems like a cruise perk war (just like the old gas wars). I get that Carnival wants more loyalty cruisers, but if you are truly loyal, it wont matter the perks at all. That said, Carnival will need to keep up with the majority who want perks and will cruise only based on the lines price and perks, so they add to the "dangling carrot". I personally think they should rename the perks. Call them what they are! A Thank You is a Thank You no matter what you did to deserve it! A reward for cruising x-amount of days is a bonus amenity. If you want me to be loyal to your cruise line, then thank me! <3