Platinum requirements changing

[markntara]

Carnival recognizes that some people may not have the time or the money to get away for a 7 day cruise and they'd rather they spend their 4-5 day cruise money with them than with someone else.

 

People usually spend more on a per day basis on a shorter cruise than a longer one. They need a loyalty program that does not ignore 40% of their fleet.

 

Last Thanksgiving week we went on B2B 4 & 3 days cruises. Original plans for a 3 day cruise was made to accomodate my work schedule, when that schedule changed, we added the 4 days. Our cost per person was a little over $809, interior room, Fantasy Class ship. Most of this cost was for the added 4 days at 30 days out.

 

Our schedule this year accomodates us to have a 7 day cruise, purchased for $649, balcony room, on a Conquest Class ship.

 

3 & 4 day cruises cost more per day versus 7 day cruises.

[halos]

How does one even argue that a 3 day cruise should carry the same weight as a 10 day or longer.

 

Exactly.

To me, it just makes no sense.

 

The TA I use has a points system. For every dollar spent, you get a certain number of points towards 'gifts' (I always choose OBC)

When I book a balcony, I get so many points. If I were to book an inside I would earn less points. If I booked a suite, I'd earn more.

Does it irritate me that a person booking a suite winds up with several hundred dollars more in OBC??

UMMMM NO...

 

Does it irk me that CCL's loyalty program is the way it is.

AGAIN, no.

 

I don't care one way or the other...BUT my opinion is that it could be set up better.

I think (just a wild guess) when they revamp this thing it will take a few more cruises to get to platinum....probably because they have so many people getting there by short cruises.

Then we'll get to read the boards and see all the complaints over that. ;)

[iluvdoxies]

According to John Heald's posted information there IS priority tendering back to the ship for platinum cruisers - problem is not everyone is aware of this and the ports are usually manned by port security not by Carnival staff.

 

we got it on our last cruise to Half Moon Caye , should have seen the looks we got -

[iluvdoxies]

anybody want some thermoses, pic frames or tote bags - we got to the point where we just left them in the cabin. Would have much rather had some drink coupons !

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

...

I think (just a wild guess) when they revamp this thing it will take a few more cruises to get to platinum....probably because they have so many people getting there by short cruises.

Then we'll get to read the boards and see all the complaints over that. ;)

 

I wonder if the thought of dodging that bullet is one of the real factors behind their inaction...!

 

Heck, I was impressed that they put forth a stronger smoking policy!

 

Tom

[golfadj]

anybody want some thermoses, pic frames or tote bags - we got to the point where we just left them in the cabin. Would have much rather had some drink coupons !

 

We would give picture frames to people we met on the cruise. Now have 2 cooler bags and will presumably get 4 more on next 2 cruises so will start giving those away as well.

 

Never understood why they dont let you pick from a list to at least make the gifts usable to us.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

...

Never understood why they dont let you pick from a list to at least make the gifts usable to us.

 

Take those notepads for example - I would imagine that they buy those in enough bulk that they don't even pay $0.25 for them. In their mind, if they gave you a choice which included (let's say) a free specialty dessert item, a free drink, or a 5x7 photo - that's a couple/few $'s of "lost" income...

 

Tom

[DFW Airwolf]

I think they should use a POINT SYSTEM. Something like the following;

 

0-4 days = 1

5-7 days = 2

8+ day = 3

-------------

MULTIPLIERS

 

Inside or Oceanview Cabin = 1x

Balcony = 2x

Suite = 3x

--------------

 

So if you booked a Balcony on a 7 Day Cruise you would get 2 points for the cruise and then multiplie it by 2 for a total of 4 points. A Inside or a Oceanview room would only get the base 2 points. And a Suite user would get 6 points because of the 3x multiplier.

 

This way those who book longer cruises get more points & those that book more expensive cabins get even more. Then Reward/Loyalty levels would be determined by your overall points.

 

Then those who book longer cruises and in higher priced cabins such as Balconies & Suites would get the Perks sooner than those who just book 1a cabins or just cruise the short, lower priced cruises.

 

I have talked to people who all they book is inside (Cheapest fare possible) because they enjoy cruising. They would still eventually get Platinum type perks becuase they cruise frequently, but then those who spend more $$$ would get rewarded sooner.

 

Overall, I think this is a fair way of determining advancement toward STATUS LEVELS. If you noticied I havent mentioned how many points it would take to make PLATINUM or such. I would think that Carnival should come out with more tiers so people can move up on the PERK Chain as they cruise. This way everyone will feel like they are being rewarded for what they have cruised. And again, those who cruise frequently & in higher class cabins on longer cruises would get to the top quicker than those who might cruise as frequently as them, but only on 3 day cruises & in inside cabins.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

I think they should use a POINT SYSTEM. Something like the following;

 

0-4 days = 1

...

 

Where can I sign up for some of those "0" day cruises?? ;)

 

:D

 

Tom

[quickrate]

This makes absolutely no sense! You are saying that someone who sails 10 CTN is MORE loyal than someone who sails on 3 7 day cruises? If it's a loyalty program, then the loyalty lies in the length of stay on a ship and money made by the cruiseline. 10 CTNs barely makes the cruiseline break even.

I understand what you're saying but disagree. It's not what we pay for a cruise that makes money but what we spend onboard. The 3 and 4 day cruises are known as the party cruises and I'm sure many passengers have substantial sail and sign accounts on those cruises. I would also bet the casino makes lots of money on those cruises as well. Loyalty to Carnival is how many times you book a cruise and how much money you spend!:D

pat

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

..

Overall, I think this is a fair way of determining advancement toward STATUS LEVELS. If you noticied I havent mentioned how many points it would take to make PLATINUM or such. I would think that Carnival should come out with more tiers so people can move up on the PERK Chain as they cruise. This way everyone will feel like they are being rewarded for what they have cruised. And again, those who cruise frequently & in higher class cabins on longer cruises would get to the top quicker than those who might cruise as frequently as them, but only on 3 day cruises & in inside cabins.

 

For whatever reason, I don't think that Carnival is concerned about being fair, or rewarding those who spend more $ with them (just look at what they give their suite guests compared to other lines LINK). I do keep telling myself (though I don't always listen) that they really owe us nothing - they can give us as much or as little as they care to. In the end, it's up to us to decide where to spend our vacation dollar.

 

Tom

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

... Loyalty to Carnival is how many times you book a cruise and how much money you spend!:D

pat

 

... and what you tell others when they ask (or even when they don't!) for your opinion!

 

Tom

[quickrate]

I think they should use a POINT SYSTEM. Something like the following;

 

0-4 days = 1

5-7 days = 2

8+ day = 3

-------------

MULTIPLIERS

 

Inside or Oceanview Cabin = 1x

Balcony = 2x

Suite = 3x

--------------

 

So if you booked a Balcony on a 7 Day Cruise you would get 2 points for the cruise and then multiplie it by 2 for a total of 4 points. A Inside or a Oceanview room would only get the base 2 points. And a Suite user would get 6 points because of the 3x multiplier.

 

This way those who book longer cruises get more points & those that book more expensive cabins get even more. Then Reward/Loyalty levels would be determined by your overall points.

 

Then those who book longer cruises and in higher priced cabins such as Balconies & Suites would get the Perks sooner than those who just book 1a cabins or just cruise the short, lower priced cruises.

 

I have talked to people who all they book is inside (Cheapest fare possible) because they enjoy cruising. They would still eventually get Platinum type perks becuase they cruise frequently, but then those who spend more $$$ would get rewarded sooner.

 

Overall, I think this is a fair way of determining advancement toward STATUS LEVELS. If you noticied I havent mentioned how many points it would take to make PLATINUM or such. I would think that Carnival should come out with more tiers so people can move up on the PERK Chain as they cruise. This way everyone will feel like they are being rewarded for what they have cruised. And again, those who cruise frequently & in higher class cabins on longer cruises would get to the top quicker than those who might cruise as frequently as them, but only on 3 day cruises & in inside cabins.

So basically you're saying those with the most money should be rewarded the most? People who love to cruise but can't afford a more expensive cabin aren't as important? Don't get me wrong, I book balconies and suites but I don't think that makes me more important than the person in the 1A. My reward is that awsome balcony I have-yep, I'm a member of the balcony snob club!:D

pat

[quickrate]

... and what you tell others when they ask (or even when they don't!) for your opinion!

 

Tom

I always respect your opinion-you have some very insightful post and a lot of experience to back your statements. I may not always agree but that's why this is a discussion board. We state our opinion and then receive feedback-hopefully constructive feedback.;)

pat

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

... Don't get me wrong, I book balconies and suites but I don't think that makes me more important than the person in the 1A. ..

 

It has nothing to do with you being more "important" to them - but it does make you, simply based on what you spent for your accommodations, more profitable to them!

 

Tom

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

I always respect your opinion-you have some very insightful post and a lot of experience to back your statements. I may not always agree but that's why this is a discussion board. We state our opinion and then receive feedback-hopefully constructive feedback.;)

pat

 

Thanks - I think we all know people on here who take things personally, and always seem to be looking for a confrontation (but that's true in "real life" as well)!

 

Tom

[NCTribeFan]

Sorry, haven't read the entire thread, so if I'm repeating what anyone else has said, forgive me!

 

I sailed on HAL for the first time last November. I was automatically a past guest due to my Carnival cruises, so I started as a "1 star" passenger.

 

I think how HAL does it is great. It was a 14-day Hawaii cruise, so I earned 14 days. But I also earned "days" based on our onboard spending.

 

So after one 14-day cruise, I now am only 8 days away from being a "2 star" HAL cruiser (30 days needed).

 

Now, the perks aren't so great at the lower levels, but they do have several levels.

 

http://www.hollandamerica.com/marinerSociety/Main.action

 

I think this is MUCH more equitable than just counting number of cruises. Longer cruises gets you to the next level more quickly. Onboard spending counts (as it should).

 

There's absolutely no reason why someone who takes 9 3-day cruises should receive the same perks as someone who has taken 9 7-day cruises!

 

I mean, seriously!

 

Hey, I totally took advantage of Carnival's system and took a CTN as my 9th cruise simply to get to Platinum. Sure, Carnival made money off me for those 2 days (the per/day fare is much higher than most cruises), but I also freely admit to using their system to my own benefit.

 

Anyway, I think HAL's system is much more equitable and would love to see Carnival go in that direction.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

...

Anyway, I think HAL's system is much more equitable and would love to see Carnival go in that direction.

 

HERE is a thread I started which compares the past guest/loyalty programs of Carnival, NCL, Celebrity, and RC.

 

I get the feeling that Carnival is of the attitude: "if you don't like it, there are other options out there". They do offer a good return on your cruise $ - but are lagging in amenities and perks... which can explain, in part, each other.

 

Tom

[luckycruzer]

and many others who have shared experiences, and have helped me

in forming my new answers to non-cruzing peeps, with preconceived notions of what cruzin is all about.

 

To friends, and aquaintences that ask "what cruze line "wont" rip me off..and "I hear they nickel n dime you to death". I will now have a stock answer for those who ask me doopid Q's, and I try to defend cruizin! I will no longer give the ramifications of cruzin spending..dollars, or their time on board....I'll be nice, but continue to refer them to these great boards..."but I don't have the time like you do"..(is their answer)..but want me to take up mine !

It aint my vaca to plan for them ! So, I'm all out of time for those who want me to be an agent,(I'm not one, nor do I play one on TV) and promise them the time of their life..

Peeps w/time and a little ca$h, need to plan for themselves. I am loyal to cruzin, and Geography made/makes me most loyal To Carnival, but I "date" other lines. I cruze because I can !!!! Dont have to ask permission.....I....just DO it!

Thanks again to everone here, and what you all share for our most fab-u-luss addiction !

[Thundertouch]

Last Thanksgiving week we went on B2B 4 & 3 days cruises. Original plans for a 3 day cruise was made to accomodate my work schedule, when that schedule changed, we added the 4 days. Our cost per person was a little over $809, interior room, Fantasy Class ship. Most of this cost was for the added 4 days at 30 days out.

 

Our schedule this year accomodates us to have a 7 day cruise, purchased for $649, balcony room, on a Conquest Class ship.

 

3 & 4 day cruises cost more per day versus 7 day cruises.

 

 

I beg to differ, I have spent 4 grand on this upcoming vacation before even stepping on the ship. Figure that X 2 a year ..Humm not including airfare or hotel or excursions. Or the prepaid BV department booze and gifts about 3 hundred ...Still not on the ship but have invested that much with Carnival each sailing. Just because we don't live near a port to do extended weekend jaunts,we have to wait but spend more...NOT FAIR.. And no its not a choice for us, we have to have a suite because the 6 year old screams in showers so we have to have a tub and I have to have my wrap balcony.

[ccruisequeen]

I'd like to see a proposal for cruise days to make Platinum. We don't live near a port (5 hours away) so we take longer cruises. If I lived in Miami or Long Beach where the 3 day cruises leave from, I'd been Platinum in a year.

Not true-- unless you're a millionaire! We live in LB & can barely afford 2 a year. Also, we need to lose weight so our bodies can afford the cruises- I want to lose 12 lbs before I cruise in OCT!

[NCTribeFan]

Tom, I saw that thread. But you didn't include the other Carnival Corp-owned lines, like HAL and Princess.

 

As noted, HAL's is very different from Carnival's. Don't know about the other Carnival lines since I haven't sailed them.

 

I was just struck with how quickly one can get to the "next level" on HAL. Of course, the fact that my first cruise with them was 14-days helped, and we pretty much had to take a couple of ship excursions as they were the only ones that fit our time frame for the day. And then there were the drink cards. :D

 

But I could easily reach the 2nd level after only two cruises. The Mariner Brunch was a very nice touch on our last day at sea. The champagne was palatable enough to actually drink, unlike the "free" stuff they pass out at Carnival's PG parties. ;)

 

I just think HAL's system makes much more sense. You're rewarded for the number of days you sail as well as your spending, including booking a suite.

 

How is the number of cruise day credits calculated?

 

The basic formula is very simple: one cruise day credit is given for each actual day sailed (each overnight aboard a Holland America Line vessel is considered an actual day sailed). So, for example, a 7-day cruise results in 7 cruise day credits. For Holland America Line Alaska and Yukon cruisetours, a cruise day credit is granted for total tour days, including days touring on land. Pre and Post cruise packages are excluded. Cruise Day credits are non-transferable.

 

 

These credits apply to all guests, including 3rd and 4th guests in a stateroom for suite bonus only. In addition, there are two ways to earn bonus days:

• Suite Bonus When you pay a published fare for a spacious suite or penthouse on your next cruise you'll not only enjoy special amenities, but you'll also qualify for double cruise day credits. For example, a guest who pays published fare for suite accommodations for a 10-day cruise earns 20 cruise day credits.
  
• Onboard Spending Bonus Effective with cruises on or after September 18, 2009, one bonus cruise day credit will be granted for each $300 in eligible onboard purchases. This is calculated on the combined folio charges for all guests on the booking, regardless of who signs each charge and who pays the bill. There is a limit of one bonus day for each day sailed, and 3rd and 4th guests on the same booking do not earn the onboard spending bonus.
  

I sailed with a cousin and her friend. When we booked, I was listed as the 3rd passenger. Her friend ONLY sails with her, so would receive any/all benefits when they cruise. So, we talked about it, then called HAL and had them move the res around to show me as passenger #2. At first, they said they couldn't do that because that would entail a change to the reservation. OK. Whatever, I thought. Then, suddenly, one day I checked the res and we were switched. Had to re-enter my boarding pass info, but it was certainly worth it. That way, I got to share in the credit for onboard spending.

Well, folks, you don't HAVE to spend $4+K to cruise on Carnival. I've never spent anywhere close to that amount for two people. I don't think I've ever spent more than $1,000 each, including an 8-day with an aft balcony! Sadly, the sailings that are within a fairly easy drive for me aren't very exciting. I don't see the point in driving to Charleston to "only" go to the Bahamas. If I'm going to continue to cruise, I'm going to continue to try to get to at least one new port each time. After all, that's why I do this!

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Tom, I saw that thread. But you didn't include the other Carnival Corp-owned lines, like HAL and Princess.

 

As noted, HAL's is very different from Carnival's. Don't know about the other Carnival lines since I haven't sailed them.

 

I was just struck with how quickly one can get to the "next level" on HAL. Of course, the fact that my first cruise with them was 14-days helped, and we pretty much had to take a couple of ship excursions as they were the only ones that fit our time frame for the day. And then there were the drink cards. :D

 

But I could easily reach the 2nd level after only two cruises. The Mariner Brunch was a very nice touch on our last day at sea. The champagne was palatable enough to actually drink, unlike the "free" stuff they pass out at Carnival's PG parties. ;)

 

I just think HAL's system makes much more sense. You're rewarded for the number of days you sail as well as your spending, including booking a suite.

 

How is the number of cruise day credits calculated?

 

The basic formula is very simple: one cruise day credit is given for each actual day sailed (each overnight aboard a Holland America Line vessel is considered an actual day sailed). So, for example, a 7-day cruise results in 7 cruise day credits. For Holland America Line Alaska and Yukon cruisetours, a cruise day credit is granted for total tour days, including days touring on land. Pre and Post cruise packages are excluded. Cruise Day credits are non-transferable.

 

 

These credits apply to all guests, including 3rd and 4th guests in a stateroom for suite bonus only. In addition, there are two ways to earn bonus days:

• Suite Bonus When you pay a published fare for a spacious suite or penthouse on your next cruise you'll not only enjoy special amenities, but you'll also qualify for double cruise day credits. For example, a guest who pays published fare for suite accommodations for a 10-day cruise earns 20 cruise day credits.
  
• Onboard Spending Bonus Effective with cruises on or after September 18, 2009, one bonus cruise day credit will be granted for each $300 in eligible onboard purchases. This is calculated on the combined folio charges for all guests on the booking, regardless of who signs each charge and who pays the bill. There is a limit of one bonus day for each day sailed, and 3rd and 4th guests on the same booking do not earn the onboard spending bonus.
  

I sailed with a cousin and her friend. When we booked, I was listed as the 3rd passenger. Her friend ONLY sails with her, so would receive any/all benefits when they cruise. So, we talked about it, then called HAL and had them move the res around to show me as passenger #2. At first, they said they couldn't do that because that would entail a change to the reservation. OK. Whatever, I thought. Then, suddenly, one day I checked the res and we were switched. Had to re-enter my boarding pass info, but it was certainly worth it. That way, I got to share in the credit for onboard spending.

Well, folks, you don't HAVE to spend $4+K to cruise on Carnival. I've never spent anywhere close to that amount for two people. I don't think I've ever spent more than $1,000 each, including an 8-day with an aft balcony! Sadly, the sailings that are within a fairly easy drive for me aren't very exciting. I don't see the point in driving to Charleston to "only" go to the Bahamas. If I'm going to continue to cruise, I'm going to continue to try to get to at least one new port each time. After all, that's why I do this!

 

Very interesting - giving credit for land tours and onboard expenses! I wonder about the Suite Bonus though, as it says you receive that only if you pay the "published fare" - does that mean full list price, or any advertised special rates?

 

Tom

[rickcop44]

by blusry:

 

"Our most recent cruise aboard the Conquest was the first bad experience with using the status. We left the ship in Grand Cayman as a group for a ship sponsored excursion and returned to town to shop. We were shamed by the agent in front of other passengers with the attempt to board the tender to return to the ship via the front of the line."

 

 

Yep - those folks in line were no doubt tired and hot. The agent, simply another poorly trained individual. Carnival does a poor job of educating it's guests about the loyalty program and its perks... doing even less in that regard than they do in their own employee training I fear.

 

 

Tom

 

Perhaps I'm just misreading this, but are you saying you cut in front of other passengers to get on the tender because you're platinum? Or are you saying the agent escorted you to the front of the line and got shamed by other passengers? Either way, I would have shamed you as well. We're platinum and we get in line with the rest of our fellow passengers. You should do the same. There's nothing special about being a platinum member that you need to shove down someone's throat. But then, some people always feel entitled.

[Thundertouch]

by blusry:

 

"Our most recent cruise aboard the Conquest was the first bad experience with using the status. We left the ship in Grand Cayman as a group for a ship sponsored excursion and returned to town to shop. We were shamed by the agent in front of other passengers with the attempt to board the tender to return to the ship via the front of the line."

 

 

 

 

Perhaps I'm just misreading this, but are you saying you cut in front of other passengers to get on the tender because you're platinum? Or are you saying the agent escorted you to the front of the line and got shamed by other passengers? Either way, I would have shamed you as well. We're platinum and we get in line with the rest of our fellow passengers. You should do the same. There's nothing special about being a platinum member that you need to shove down someone's throat. But then, some people always feel entitled.

 

A perk is just that ...a PERK and it should be honored.