FTTF, anyone else have mixed feelings?

[deetrayn]

we invested time and lots of money for the benefit.

 

What did you get during the time you invested and the lots of money you spent? Were you not on cruises, enjoying vacations? :confused:

[Cruising Rules]

The same reason they did not just cancel the benefits to begin with.

 

Grace periods for any programmatic change at any company is common practice to keep major PR issues from killing them. Carnival is no different. Look how long they allowed people to use drink coupons after they stopped selling them.

 

The financial losses probably would not have broken the company but they certainly would not have helped. Any program that is losing money either needs reformation (which FTTF+Sea days based loyalty did) or cancellation.

 

It makes sense to me.

 

Glad it makes sense to you. It is in fact a very mis-guided solution and one that shows a very poor understanding of customer relations.

[Georgiagolfer]

Here we go again! The majority of Platinum / Diamond cruisers that I know, have no problem with those that purchase FTTF. We gained immediate cabin access and luggage delivery when the program was implemented, which we did not have before.

 

If you enjoy cruising with Carnival, book for the low prices and fun, not for the "perks". You will get there someday, but it really isn't a big deal, and as you work your way up, purchase FTTF if that is what you want to do, and enjoy!!

 

So agree with Jamman. As Platinum, FTTF helped us as we now have immediate access to our cabin once we board. DW and I appreciate any "perks" we receive, but have sailed CCL as a line of choice, not perks. If we had as many cruises on RCI as we do CCL, we would be Diamond plus now due to number of nights sailed. Talk about perks, and RCI has a far better Loyalty program. No big deal. We cruise to cruise, not trinkets.

Edited January 8, 2014 by Georgiagolfer
spelling

[mlrm]

What irritates me is all the platinum Carnival Cruisers who got there with 3 or 4 day cruises and then complaining that someone like me who have only 8 Cruises but a lot more days at sea would purchase FTTF .

 

Could not agree more!

[repo-cruiser]

...really? I said I wasn't intending to rile anyone up and your response is that you're irritated with my post? You could've kept scrolling...

Would I pay for FTTF? Perhaps. Like I said, I understand why people buy it. However, now that I'm platinum, I see the frustration of feeling cheated because we invested time and lots of money for the benefit. If you earned a promotion to a new office at work, would you appreciate someone else being able to buy the office beside yours? Or a premier parking spot or any other perk that took time and effort on your part.

 

So since you cruised a certain amount of time you reached Platinum which gave you perks. I fly year round for my job and reached a certain level that gets me First class on flights, Yet someone that hasn't flown this particular airline can pay more and sit with me in first class, wow the nerve of them. I don't see your complaint as valid as every business does this to create revenue. Sour grapes.;)

[quickrate]

As someone who is a long way from platinum, and bought fttf for my upcoming cruise (don't hate the player, hate the game!), I understand your frustration, and agree that platinum benefits should offer amenities that are unique to platinum. You deserve to feel special on your cruise.

I think this hits the nail on the head. Offering the perks for a price may be a good marketing ploy for Carnival, but they should have upped their game for their loyalty cruisers as well. Just before this program was introduced, they actually cut the perks offered to platinum cruisers. It literally was like a slap in the face!! I don't begrudge those who use this program and if in their shoes, would probably take advantage of it. Carnival has forgotten those who have been their bread and butter in past years.

Pat

[quickrate]

Could not agree more!

i see your point!! Another failing of the Carnival loyalty program.

[LMaxwell]

No problem with FTTF. Carnival found something to monetize and a group willing to pay. They are paying ADDITIONAL for additional services. Part of that addition now subsidizes higher tier cruisers.

 

Now, as to whether or not I think FTTF is a good value or not is a different question altogether, but I think if someone is willing to pay for a perk that is totally fine. There are guests on RCI that have been on 25 cruises and don't have access to a Concierge Lounge yet, and then there are new cruisers who load up a GS cabins on a 3 night cruise and get access to the CL. Perfectly fine, they paid for it.

[WLHyatt]

Glad it makes sense to you. It is in fact a very mis-guided solution and one that shows a very poor understanding of customer relations.

 

I never said it was a great move from a customer relations perspective, but it is a better move than the option of canceling all customer loyalty programs completely.

 

I don't know for certain that they were on that track, but combining the rework of the loyalty tracking program to go from number of sailings to number of nights, and adding a program that pays for those perks for the folks that already get them just adds up to what could have been a deadly blow when it comes to returning customers.

 

Business sense and customer satisfaction are constantly competing with each other, and sometimes it means hurting returning customer satisfaction to pay for a program that can not pay for its self.

 

This is all hypothetical, but the evidence suggests that if they had not reworked the loyalty program and added FTTF, there would have been NO priority anything for anyone. I think if you see it from that point there is no rational reason to be upset at the people who pay $50 so you can get your perks for free.

[vols_159]

I feel like plats and diamonds act like grade schoolers because someone jumped them in the lunch line.. For crying out loud people does it really matter if you are first on board 10th or 20th or even 50th there's still 2,000 people behind you. You will still get a guys hamburger first still get a drink of the day.. Be the first to chair hog or get the first French fry .. And you can still skip all that and go straight to your room .. I'm sure some people flash there status around like a police badge.. While others could care less.

 

I normally arrive to the port around noon onboard by 1 130 enought time to eat lunch and get ready for the muster drill..

[crusinpsychRN]

You got the perks and dont have to pay.

 

He paid plenty to get the perks...

[RWolver672]

I have to agree with the posters that say that the original program had flaws. We have been on five seven day and one eight day Carnival cruises. That gives us forty three days. There are Platinum cruisers out there that have taken ten three day cruises giving them thirty days. To us, the way it was before was an insult to the people that take longer cruises.

 

We will probably never see Platinum. We have always paid for our own laundry that was given as a perk to Platinum. Nobody ever complained about that. If we bought a tumbler or a hat or a packpack, nobody ever complained about that either.

 

We bought FTTF on our last cruise. We boarded after P/D, wedding parties and handicapped. Our cabins were ready and our luggage arrived within minutes of going into our cabins. We went to the Guest services once and there was no line so we just went to the regular line. Other than that, we never used any of the other things we paid for with FTTF.

 

I'm checking every day to see if it's available for our next cruise. We always go to the port a day or two early and most hotels want you checked out by 11 am. We go to the port and it's nice not to have to wait for hours to start our vacation. The quicker we get on the ship, the quicker we start our cruise. We've paid for that day so why not enjoy it rather than sitting in the terminal waiting to board.

[Vitamin_Sea]

I feel like plats and diamonds act like grade schoolers because someone jumped them in the lunch line.. For crying out loud people does it really matter if you are first on board 10th or 20th or even 50th there's still 2,000 people behind you. You will still get a guys hamburger first still get a drink of the day.. Be the first to chair hog or get the first French fry .. And you can still skip all that and go straight to your room .. I'm sure some people flash there status around like a police badge.. While others could care less.

 

I normally arrive to the port around noon onboard by 1 130 enought time to eat lunch and get ready for the muster drill..

 

Agreed...Ive never seen a bunch of adult cry babies all in one place in my life!

[Retiringworkingstiff]

Seriously! This FTTF matter has been discussed here over and over again, certain heated threads even got deleted.

 

All of you who feel shafted, have any of you contacted head office, tell them what your position is? If yes, what was their response? Maybe you did and I missed it? You don't even need to be Platinum even if you feel their corporate strategy is that bad.

[bar1068]

He paid plenty to get the perks...

 

Didn't he pay "plenty" to go on cruises?

[Cruise-Crazy]

I have not seen that many people clogging up the system for FTTF. If I was not platinum I don't think I would fork over $49 for it.

[Retiringworkingstiff]

December 1, 2013, 6 days on the Breeze out of Miami. Totally enjoyed our cruise, again.

 

We got FTTF.

 

Embarkation: An organized chaos! We got to the terminal around 10:30 am, they didn't start boarding until around 12:30 pm, no idea what happened but really, not a big deal! D, P, physically challenged, FTTF were boarded in that order. Our luggage was actually waiting for us before we got to our cove balcony cabin, very nice. Hardly anyone at the buffet which was our next stop.

 

Guest Service: Used the priority line once. I had my S&S card out. Some guy behind me tapped my shoulder and said "this line is not for you". I pointed at the FTTF sticker on the back of my card to him and then the FTTF sign above the counter, for the line I was in. To make a short story long, he said he was just trying to help me out??? Why he was holding up his fists (and I really thought he was going to hit me or something), was beyond me. There were only 2 of us there. Basically I ignored him. I really thought he was going to have a heart attack. Well! He started it! I do feel for the young lady behind the counter, after looking after me, having to explain to him what FTTF is. He was annoying the people behind him for sure!

 

During the evening heading back to Miami, I noticed there were 3 VERY long lines for non-FTTF guests at GS. Not sure why! We didn't need to use GS then but in hindsight, the $50 for the FTTF was well spent.

[bmoorewiz]

ha 49 is a steal IMO. I would pay 150 for that perk. It's so nice to get on the ship and have your room ready and not to have to carry your bags around.

 

On top of that, we can get off first and make an early flight and be back home in Raleigh before noon.

 

We have 30 days cruising so we will not be making platinum anytime soon.

[CruisinCrow]

However, now that I'm platinum, I see the frustration of feeling cheated because we invested time and lots of money for the benefit.

 

I'm not platinum but if I was, I don't think I would feel cheated because I don't cruise to gain perks. I cruise because I enjoy it, it takes me to great places and it fits the budget. Any perks I get now or in the future are just extras.

 

Honestly, I don't see much reason to pay for FTTF either. But if others want to, I think it's fine as long as Carnival limits the number.

Edited January 8, 2014 by CruisinCrow

[mlrm]

A Breakdown of Platinum Benefit's

 

 

Complimentary beverage at Seaday Brunch

Starting with your 2nd cruise, everyone gets this

 

 

Gold, Platinum and Diamond VIFP Party

on 5+ day sailings

Watching people trip over themselves for free drinks can be entertaining the first time you see it, but I can buy those same drinks at the bar.

 

 

“Chocolate Delight”

(delivered to stateroom on 5+ day cruises)

I can buy one of these if I want one.

 

 

Priority check-in and boarding

I've stayed in suites on all of my cruises, so I've checked in at your VIP lounge and boarded the ship right next to you.

 

 

Unique, collectible ship- and year-specific pin

received on each sailing

A benefit all to your self.

 

 

Priority Spa reservations

Wife has never had a problem getting a spa time. Not sure of the benefit here.

 

 

Priority tender boarding

Anyone can get this if they have an early excursion.

 

 

Casino: Buy 1 tournament entry, get one free

I can buy a seat right next to your free one.

 

 

Complimentary Arcade credits

(valued at $5; guests under 18 only)

I can spend $5 while your son or daughter waits to play that same game.

 

 

Carnival logo gift on every sailing

I can buy all of your free gifts at the gift shop.

 

 

Dedicated onboard Guest Services phone number

A benefit all to yourself. Is this really a benefit?

 

 

Priority line at Guest Services desk onboard

Except for embarkation, I have never seen a line and the platinum line is usually just as long during that time. I feel sorry for the diamond cruisers.

 

 

Priority debarkation

Since I paid for a suite, I get zone one also.

 

 

Priority Main Dining Room and Specialty Restaurant reservations

I have never been turned away from a specialty restaurant. Is this really a benefit?

 

 

Complimentary Wash & Fold

(2 bags on a 3 – 6 day cruises,

3 bags on a 7-12 day cruises, 5 bags on a 12+ day cruises )

I can pay to have mine done in the same washer as your free laundry.

 

 

So, the only thing I did not mention is that you get your luggage early, and can go straight to your room. That's because it did not exist as a benefit before FTTF. Now that I'm willing to pay for it, you will get it for free. You should be thanking carnival for offering it and the people who are buying it. Like I said before it was never a benefit of yours. Please people, get over yourselves.

[fuddrules]

We have done FTTF once, not worth it IMO just to cut lines.

 

Unless you intend on going to guest service 20 times a day with questions

who needs it?

 

Do I need to be on the ship first? NO

 

Do I need to be off the ship first? NO

 

Do I need luggage right away? NO

 

What the heck is the big rush?

 

While all of this is true, I'll get FTTF on every cruise it's available to me.

 

I like to get on early but I don't have to be first. 1st or 123rd on board, not a big difference.

 

We typically do self-assist when getting off so not adavantage there.

 

I do like to get to my room quick, drop off my carry-ons, grab a bite to eat & drink and then unpack, all before muster. My kids explore the ship after eating.

 

Some of the GS lines are LOOOOOOONG. I'm guessing an hour or more. I can get my S&S cards punched and get additional room keys for each room usually in under 10 minutes. Last cruise I also got a deck of cards in about 15 seconds that would have taken well over 30 minutes to stand in line.

 

It's worth it to me but I'm glad not everyone is willing to pay. It would may it that much harder to obtain.

 

Also Port Canaveral has this FTTF, Diamond/Plat issue down to a science. Dia/Plat get first crack getting on and there's no rushing or overlap between the groups.

[Linerguy]

First, my intention is not to "rile" anyone up...

 

Give me a friggin' break – that's exactly why you started this thread. This horse has been beat to death so much it's finally turned into glue.

[Linerguy]

Here we go again! The majority of Platinum / Diamond cruisers that I know, have no problem with those that purchase FTTF. We gained immediate cabin access and luggage delivery when the program was implemented, which we did not have before. Besides, the percentage of FTTF passengers is so small, no matter which class of ship, that it hardly really matters. Say they sell 45 cabins, (most times it is less), and there are 4 passengers per cabin, (most times it is less), that means there would be 180 FTTF passengers, which is under 9% of capacity on a Fantasy Class ship. Much less on the bigger classes.

And for those Platinum cruisers that "worked" so hard, and "invested" so much to earn their status..... really??? You paid for the privilege to be able to cruise and have a fun vacation, nothing else. If you cruised just for the perks, I'll be the first to tell you that you're cruising on the wrong line. Enjoy what little they give you and move on. Many of us long time Carnival cruisers, 15 years or more, had the requirements met for Platinum,(cruises or days), before there ever was a loyalty program!! Personally, I didn't see my first Platinum benefits until my 17th Carnival cruise. Does this mean Carnival owes me 7 cruises of benefits retroactively?? NO!!

If you enjoy cruising with Carnival, book for the low prices and fun, not for the "perks". You will get there someday, but it really isn't a big deal, and as you work your way up, purchase FTTF if that is what you want to do, and enjoy!!

 

Once again, JAMMAN54 is the voice of reason.

[TwinPrincessMermaids]

CCL likes to sell sell sell. It's as simple as that. Whatever they think they can sell, they will. This is just one more thing. Money talks, and they may have the OP's money from all his cruises (so they are happy) but they will go ahead and take the RIGHT NOW money from as many new cruisers as they can. So everyone is 'HAPPY' (mostly them). :mad: Haha :D I still can't believe people 'buy' cruise cash... (gifts notwithstanding, but still, you could just you know, give MONEY...instead, people let CCL 'hold' on to their money until they cruise...?)

Edited January 8, 2014 by TwinPrincessMermaids

[PresDuLac]

Yes I have mixed feelings because its sold out for my cruise!

 

Me too! Sold out on Sunshine but I snagged it for the other 2 I have booked. :D