$ is faster to the fun

Just because you board early doesn't mean your room will be ready like FTTF.

Not sure who you're responding to but checking in at 1:00PM (not early by any means) almost guarantees my cabin will be available. There have been many posts when people who buy FTTF find their cabins aren't ready when they get onboard so there's that.

 

And if that's the case, it should be mentioned during a visit to Guest Services (which won't be much of a hassle because, hey presto, FTTF = shorter line). They will generally credit the price of FTTF back to your onboard account in such instances, and still let you retain the benefits for the duration of the cruise.

 

I've never had a cabin NOT be ready when we boarded early as FTTF, and I've seen Carnival employees at check-in radio the ship to advise them we were on the way and to ensure our stateroom was ready. That was pretty awesome.

Now, we HAVE had an instance when our checked luggage didn't arrive until after muster drill, and Guest Services immediately credited the cost of FTTF back to us, even though it wasn't Carnival's fault and I didn't even ask for the credit. (I mentioned the late luggage in passing.) Now THAT's good customer service.

Edited June 1, 2017 by Pellaz

We used FTTF last year when 19 of us went on a cruise together out of Galveston. It was the best $59.95 we spent since we were all able to board at the same time (which might not have been possible as everyone booked their own cruise, although with the same travel agent). We had some newbies who did not understand the "choose time to board" and a couple lived out of State so you can understand the minor difficulties. Might use it again but then again, our next cruise will only have 6 of us sooo....

Frankly, I'm all for the increased cost. When FTTF was rolled out, those who had earned the perks you're paying for were miffed. They felt the perks were diluted by allowing others who hadn't earned them increase the wait time in the priority guest services line and add to the number of people waiting for priority tendering. Now that the cost is higher, fewer people may choose to add this cost onto the price of their cruise.

 

For the record, FTTF never bothered me. It sure bothers some others, though.

At first I was going to comment, what increased costs? We booked back in February and FTTF is the same price now as it was then. Then I saw the date on the original post. :)

 

To any diamond/platinum who aren't happy with FTTF getting the same perks, frankly I say tough. They "earned" the perks by cruising a lot. I haven't cruised a lot so I am able to make up the difference by paying for FTTF. It's not like FTTF passengers are getting the same perks for nothing.

 

It's no different that the airlines selling the exact same seat closer to the front of the plane and calling it "Premium." If you think it's worth it then it is. To me it isn't.

 

I am Platinum and my only concern with FTTF is the line at Guest Services. I think that should not be included in FTTF but I don't care enough to let it bother me.

 

But, then again, every cruise we have friends that go with us, and usually its their first or second cruise. Every time I get extra # 1 luggage tags for them so we can all get off the boat early and together. So I really can't complain if someone else is working the system to their advantage.

It's no different than theme parks that charge extra for a pass that allows people to skip the lines. It's no different than a lot of things a lot of businesses do. But many here would rather just point fingers at Carnival as if they are the only ones. A for-profit company found a way to make more money. Shocking. The great part is, it's up to each person to decide if it's worth it to them or not.

 

As far as the guest services line, and all of the other FTTF perks, I look at it like this. Like I said above, diamond/platinum get those perks from cruising a lot. Those who haven't cruised enough to reach that level have to pay up for the perks. They're not getting them for free.

 

FTTF passengers aren't "working the system to their advantage." They're buying a perks package that's offered by Carnival. They're not sidestepping the rules, they're playing by them. On the other hand, you are working the system by using your platinum status to get your friends one of the perks they didn't earn or pay for. So I don't think it's fair to compare the two.

For US we didn't think $59.95 was worth it so we've never purchased Faster to the Fun. And we definitely wouldn't now that it's $79.95 for a week-long cruise. But I don't understand the hate for those who DO want to buy it. Why should anyone care what anyone else spends THEIR money on? We don't pay for spa services, or salon services, or Cheers, or the pay restaurants but couldn't care less that others DO want to spend THEIR money on those things.

You bring up an interesting point now that I think about it. People pay extra for spa services, cheers, restaurants, casino play, you name it, but they don't receive the same hatred as people who pay for FTTF. :confused:

It's more those who live and die by the status of platinum, diamond etc. elitist never want someone to get what they earned.

 

 

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It's no different that the airlines selling the exact same seat closer to the front of the plane and calling it "Premium." If you think it's worth it then it is. To me it isn't.

 

I am Platinum and my only concern with FTTF is the line at Guest Services. I think that should not be included in FTTF but I don't care enough to let it bother me.

 

But, then again, every cruise we have friends that go with us, and usually its their first or second cruise. Every time I get extra # 1 luggage tags for them so we can all get off the boat early and together. So I really can't complain if someone else is working the system to their advantage.

The long lines at Guest Services is the reason I DO buy it. Our room being ready earlier is a plus. Don't care about the other perks.

We don't buy it. But I am glad they sell out. That way there are less people at security and check-in by the time I get there.

 

Sounds like a win win!