Upcoming carnival loyalty program

[readytotravel44]

I kind of wonder with all of the Concordia related issues if this new program doesn't see the light of day until next year. :confused:

 

Totally agree. Now is NOT the time to make these changes. Carnival is certainly under fire right now. They don't need more heat, especially from loyal cruisers.

[Naomi John]

I too read this question and answer on JH's Blog:

 

I am in the same boat (or ship) as you. We cruise on #9 in 13 days, and booked #10 on the Dream 5 months ago for September. We did not do any 3-4 day cruises only 5-7 day.

quote]

 

 

This is a question from John Heald's blog and his answer.

 

Gene Brown asked:

Just a quick question, while on the Carnival Magic’s last 12-day cruise we were told by a VIP guests about the upcoming changes. We have been trying hard to reach 10 cruises and have our 7th booked in Feb. We didn’t understand the misleading info when we started cruising about sister companies and did one on Princess. Or the February cruise would have been eight for us. Any way back to what we were told was that after the first of the year it would take 150 days instead of 10 cruises to reach Platinum. Being so close to 10 and trying to do at least one cruise each year it will take us many years instead of us trying to get it by 2013. Unlike most of your requests I am not asking for everything on board to be reduced by 25% or to have chairs saved for every event or ask that my luggage be delivered to the room right after the captains like most people seem to think they are entitled to.

Just would like to be able to reach Platinum the way I started. Our Feb cruise will be our first that has not been at least seven days. I guess we could have booked a bunch of three days and made it sooner but we enjoy our seven-day cruises and feel that Platinum is just a little bonus for what we love and not something Carnival owes us. Thanks for your time. Sorry we missed you on the Carnival Magic, James was good but I wanted to see you in the purple dress! Just kidding.

John says:

Hello Gene Brown,

I am so sorry I could not be with you on the cruise although I hate that purple dress. I am hoping that you read this so I can tell you that when the new loyalty program does eventually come out that those who are close to one of the current two high levels of Platinum and Milestone will not be punished and will have their levels grandfathered in. I see from what you have told me that you will have nothing to be concerned about. Your loyalty is very important to us and I will hope to be able to tell you more about the program soon. Thanks for the kind words and hope to see you onboard one day soon.

Best wishes.

John

 

I went to facebook with this question:

Your blog this date, 01/09/2012, “THAT’S THE SPRIT….. AND THE BREEZE 5D”, somewhat answered a question I had regarding the VIP changes.

 

Mr. Gene Brown asked, “Any way back to what we were told was that after the first of the year it would take 150 days instead of 10 cruises to reach Platinum. Being so close to 10 and trying to do at least one cruise each year it will take us many years instead of us trying to get it by 2013. Unlike most of your requests I am not asking for everything on board to be reduced by 25% or to have chairs saved for every event or ask that my luggage be delivered to the room right after the captains like most people seem to think they are entitled to. Just would like to be able to reach Platinum the way I started.”

 

Your response was, “I am hoping that you read this so I can tell you that when the new loyalty program does eventually come out that those who are close to one of the current two high levels of Platinum and Milestone will not be punished and will have their levels grandfathered in.”

 

Does your answer mean either close to days sailed or number of cruises? I also have 7 cruises with Carnival, various nights, (4, 5, and 7).

 

I care neither for check in, debarkation, tender tickets, dining, casino, nor treats in my room. I want free laundry. That is it, nothing more.

 

My question is what does get “Grandfathered”?

 

And was the reply:

John Heald I know you want an explination of "close" and for now I am not allowed to give it to you I am afraid. I know this is frustrating but please give me some more time and as soon as I get permission to I will tell you more Maomi.

 

Besides his index finger not working, :D, this is all the information anyone can give, I guess.

And yes, all I care about is the free laundry.

[kicia]

My opinion is that the new second level (25 - 74 days) correlates to the current Platinum (10 cruises which could be achieved in 30 days). The new third level (75 -224 days) is the current Milestone (25 cruises which can be achieved in 75 days). Under this scenario there would not be a need to grandfather anyone. I think the new fourth level (225 days +) has no current equivalent. The fourth level is where the perks are needed the most since there really are no perks after attaining 10 cruises currently. I think the names will change as will the perks associated with each level with some perks going to the second level and some going to the third level and lots of new ones at the fourth level. I can't imagine that anyone who achieved Milestone with 75 or so days thinks they will be in the new fourth tier with 225 days. There has been no mention of any other way to accrue points other than one day equals one point. It will be interesting and I can't wait to see what really happens.

[1948buddy]

I am in the same boat (or ship) as you. We cruise on #9 in 13 days, and booked #10 on the Dream 5 months ago for September. We did not do any 3-4 day cruises only 5-7 day.

 

I understand the new proposed policy, but sucks to get this close just to have them say too bad, you met our rules, but we are now changing them LOL...

 

Anyhoo, we will still have fun either way...

 

I feel exactly like you, after all this loyalty. If we can get enough people to call and e-mail re: our disconsent, maybe they will listen..Thanks for the reply

[1948buddy]

So if you are already a Platium member, where do you fall out on this new 4 tier system?

 

I believe if you are now platinum, you won't have a problem....It's those of us who are close that will probably get ripped

[1948buddy]

I kind of wonder with all of the Concordia related issues if this new program doesn't see the light of day until next year. :confused:

 

Good chance of that

[1948buddy]

I am in the same boat (or ship) as you. We cruise on #9 in 13 days, and booked #10 on the Dream 5 months ago for September. We did not do any 3-4 day cruises only 5-7 day.

quote]

 

 

This is a question from John Heald's blog and his answer.

 

Gene Brown asked:

Just a quick question, while on the Carnival Magic’s last 12-day cruise we were told by a VIP guests about the upcoming changes. We have been trying hard to reach 10 cruises and have our 7th booked in Feb. We didn’t understand the misleading info when we started cruising about sister companies and did one on Princess. Or the February cruise would have been eight for us. Any way back to what we were told was that after the first of the year it would take 150 days instead of 10 cruises to reach Platinum. Being so close to 10 and trying to do at least one cruise each year it will take us many years instead of us trying to get it by 2013. Unlike most of your requests I am not asking for everything on board to be reduced by 25% or to have chairs saved for every event or ask that my luggage be delivered to the room right after the captains like most people seem to think they are entitled to.

Just would like to be able to reach Platinum the way I started. Our Feb cruise will be our first that has not been at least seven days. I guess we could have booked a bunch of three days and made it sooner but we enjoy our seven-day cruises and feel that Platinum is just a little bonus for what we love and not something Carnival owes us. Thanks for your time. Sorry we missed you on the Carnival Magic, James was good but I wanted to see you in the purple dress! Just kidding.

John says:

Hello Gene Brown,

I am so sorry I could not be with you on the cruise although I hate that purple dress. I am hoping that you read this so I can tell you that when the new loyalty program does eventually come out that those who are close to one of the current two high levels of Platinum and Milestone will not be punished and will have their levels grandfathered in. I see from what you have told me that you will have nothing to be concerned about. Your loyalty is very important to us and I will hope to be able to tell you more about the program soon. Thanks for the kind words and hope to see you onboard one day soon.

Best wishes.

John

I wish I could get an answer from John Heald. I have tried for over 6 months. I met him on the Magic and told him about it. Still no answers

[1948buddy]

My opinion is that the new second level (25 - 74 days) correlates to the current Platinum (10 cruises which could be achieved in 30 days). The new third level (75 -224 days) is the current Milestone (25 cruises which can be achieved in 75 days). Under this scenario there would not be a need to grandfather anyone. I think the new fourth level (225 days +) has no current equivalent. The fourth level is where the perks are needed the most since there really are no perks after attaining 10 cruises currently. I think the names will change as will the perks associated with each level with some perks going to the second level and some going to the third level and lots of new ones at the fourth level. I can't imagine that anyone who achieved Milestone with 75 or so days thinks they will be in the new fourth tier with 225 days. There has been no mention of any other way to accrue points other than one day equals one point. It will be interesting and I can't wait to see what really happens.

I have not thought about it this way. If you are right, I am home free

[CruiserCindy]

This might help... from Canrival:

 

For your information, sometime in mid-2012, we will roll out a new Past Guest Recognition Program. Even though we do not have details to share at this time, current Platinum and Milestone guests will be grandfathered into the new corresponding levels.

 

 

https://www.goccl.com/irman/bookccl/shipboard_knowledge/PastGuestRecProgram.htm

 

I would expect that for current Platinum Guests that would correspond to the third level.

 

:)

So do you think if you are currently milestone you will be in 4th level?Thanks

[MSRussell]

When the new one takes place, I will be ten days short of the third tier.

It's ok by me....the most important thing to me is the VIP boarding. Well, the gift, also...lol.

So I will just have to *sigh* go on another cruise if I can to get to the next level. But I can take my time now.

Melanie

 

[coachj]

I will be the contrarian in this group. Carnival WILL NOT create platinum members at 25 days of sailing. IT makes no sense as a business decision. Carnival's aim is eventually reduce the number of platinum members and create a more exclusive milestone group. I agree that the Concordia disaster might delay any implementation of the new program.

[NotWthOutablcony]

I still REALLY hope they eventually add something in for cruisers of their other brands such as Princess. We've got 48 days at sea with Princess, 28 with Carnival plus our cruise in March that will bring us up to a total of 37 days with them, that's 85 days already :( some sort of recognition would be nice, even a fruit and cheese basket! We got one on the Splendor for both of us making enough points in the casino to receive the free drink cards, first off, it was DELICIOUS! And secondly, it was SO appreciated! Just a little thank you from them was wonderful, it sounds silly, but it really made our cruise, along with the ships on a stick and signed photo of the ship from the wonderful Mr. John Heald. I just love that man, he's just an all around great guy. And to receive something directly from him without "asking" him for anything, I would never do that, just really made us feel special! -Val-

[Snorkel2Much]

My opinion is that the new second level (25 - 74 days) correlates to the current Platinum (10 cruises which could be achieved in 30 days). The new third level (75 -224 days) is the current Milestone (25 cruises which can be achieved in 75 days). Under this scenario there would not be a need to grandfather anyone. I think the new fourth level (225 days +) has no current equivalent. The fourth level is where the perks are needed the most since there really are no perks after attaining 10 cruises currently. I think the names will change as will the perks associated with each level with some perks going to the second level and some going to the third level and lots of new ones at the fourth level. I can't imagine that anyone who achieved Milestone with 75 or so days thinks they will be in the new fourth tier with 225 days. There has been no mention of any other way to accrue points other than one day equals one point. It will be interesting and I can't wait to see what really happens.

 

I will be the contrarian in this group. Carnival WILL NOT create platinum members at 25 days of sailing. IT makes no sense as a business decision. Carnival's aim is eventually reduce the number of platinum members and create a more exclusive milestone group. I agree that the Concordia disaster might delay any implementation of the new program.

I'm with coach on this. Setting the entry to Platinum bar at 25 points(days) means a flood of new Plats. So either the Plat perks will have to take a HUGE downgrade, or current Plats = 75+ points to qualify.

[breenw]

No matter what Carnival does and whenever they implement the new program, some people are going to be pissed off. That's the problem - you can't make everyone happy. We all just need to realize that the reason we cruise is because we like this type of vacation experience. If we get some perks along the way, those should be viewed as exactly what they are - "perks". I don't understand people who are getting so upset over the new program they are threatening to not cruise with Carnival again. Really? Did you start cruising with Carnival just with the goal in mind to become Platinum or because you enjoyed cruising? All of the cruise lines have loyalty programs and they are all different. With the state of the world today and the economy in the toilet, we should all remember that we are lucky that Carnival cruises are still affordable and that we are fortunate to still be able to save and afford to cruise at all. Just my opinion.

[golfadj]

No matter what Carnival does and whenever they implement the new program, some people are going to be pissed off. That's the problem - you can't make everyone happy. We all just need to realize that the reason we cruise is because we like this type of vacation experience. If we get some perks along the way, those should be viewed as exactly what they are - "perks". I don't understand people who are getting so upset over the new program they are threatening to not cruise with Carnival again. Really? Did you start cruising with Carnival just with the goal in mind to become Platinum or because you enjoyed cruising? All of the cruise lines have loyalty programs and they are all different. With the state of the world today and the economy in the toilet, we should all remember that we are lucky that Carnival cruises are still affordable and that we are fortunate to still be able to save and afford to cruise at all. Just my opinion.

 

Very true just wish they would stop stringing this out and tell us what they plan to do.

[anamanxs]

Very true just wish they would stop stringing this out and tell us what they plan to do.

 

I am 100% for that!

 

I will be 8 cruises at 52 days so, it means I will have to have 11 if I stick to 7 day cruises, more with shorter cruises. I don't really care what the others got (4 days vs 7); life is too short to worry about others perks! I was really close when RCL re-did their's last year so now need another one on their's also. But, RCL was all short cruises! (I think they gave us 1 extra pt to be nice - anyway ended up with .5 away from next level). I am sure Carnival looked at everything the other's did!

 

Guess that what I get for mixing cruise lines! :eek:

[scperk]

I believe if you are now platinum, you won't have a problem....It's those of us who are close that will probably get ripped

I would only guess that since you have 8 that you will only need two to get to Platinum...They have to make the cut-off line somewhere and it's only spectulation where that line will be...And I really doubt that the people working on the New Platinum program are going to be involved with the Costa disaster....Dennis

[shortstop95]

I've heard if you're close- you'll be ok- so for Platinum close I'm assuming is 9. What do you think close for Milestone will be? 24? or 23?

[PAPERBKWRITER]

I believe if you are now platinum, you won't have a problem....It's those of us who are close that will probably get ripped

No matter what they do some will feel cheated. What's close enough to the proposed Jublie level to be upgraded? 8,7 or even 6 cruises? Where ever they draw the line will make some angry because they are only 1 cruise short. Whatever thay decide it still amounts to freebees and special recognition for loyality. Personally, I don't choose Carnival because I'm platinum, I sail them all, but find the whale tail often has the best value for my vacation dollar.

[MalGee64]

This'd be a nice change - by the time we hit Sydney in October, we'll have 72 days up just onboard the Spirit! Add the 24 on the Splendor and we're right up in free laundry territory halfway across the Pacific.

 

However, when we asked the Future Cruises guy on Spirit about this in December just gone, he said that it wasn't happening. I don't know if that meant "soon" or "at all", but we took it to mean we needed to book another two to hit Platinum...

[bigdaddyvoges]

This is why I am glad I met my wife when I did, and she got me into cruising. I will turn 27 next month and already have 18 days at sea with Carnival with 7 more planned in August of this year putting me to 25 sea days. We normally take 1 cruise a year (typically a week), so by the time I am 34 I will have 75 sea days. No biggie!!!

 

Also, our daughter will be at 11 sea days so by the time she goes to college she will have 110+ sea days!!!:D HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

[golfadj]

So if you are already a Platium member, where do you fall out on this new 4 tier system?

 

Depends upon days at sea but who really knows until they release it.

[breenw]

MalGee 64: I'm still going through withdrawal from the Hawaii cruise! Had to come home and book 2 more for this year!

[fireofficer5]

Love how people complain about free stuff.:p

I'm have 6 cruises that there isno record of.:p

All seven days.:p:p:p

[CatgirlNC]

I like the point system. I think people should get more "credit" for the longer cruises than for short ones.

 

I also LOVE the idea of using the old ships' names for the levels- I hope they keep that.

 

It looks like with the proposed system, I am just barely into Festivale- the second level. I am about to take my 6th Carnival cruise (my past cruises have varied in length from 4-7 days). I think I would need about 6-7 more cruises (depending on length) after that to hit the 3rd level- Jubilee. So it would take longer to reach that than if they keep the current system- I would just need 4 more to get to Platinum. But I don't plan to stop cruising anytime soon, so I can wait! :)