FTTF, anyone else have mixed feelings?

[Rudyard]

I've got an idea for a new drinking game. Any time anyone uses any variation of the terms

 

1) Slap in the face

 

or

 

2) Almost trampled to death by the FTTF mob

 

or

 

3) Earned the privilege (as opposed to paying for it and not seeing the irony)

 

you take a drink. We'll hit the Cheers limit in no time.

[pallison74]

Since everyone seems to be mocking the OP, let me say I am Gold with 3 cruises to go to platinum. The perks on Carnival are already the worst of any line, and now you let people pay a trivial amount to receive the perks I am working towards. Not good, shame on you Carnival for selling out your platinum members for $50.

[pmang]

Since everyone seems to be mocking the OP, let me say I am Gold with 3 cruises to go to platinum. The perks on Carnival are already the worst of any line, and now you let people pay a trivial amount to receive the perks I am working towards. Not good, shame on you Carnival for selling out your platinum members for $50.

 

 

What?!? You're not "working" towards anything... You're taking a vacation.

 

I'm an elite frequent flyer on delta. I get upgrades to first class on 75% of my flights. I don't get upset when someone purchases a first class ticket and sits next to me when I've "earned" the right to be there....

 

It's a vacation, not an accomplishment !!

 

 

 

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[bjd2]

We'll hopefully be platinum someday and with 6 cruises have 43 days sailed. There are many with fewer sailed days who are platinum.

 

We bought FTTF for the first time on our most recent cruise and I'm watching for it to appear again and will buy it if I see it. Love to drop our bags off in the room and have shorter lines for checking in and tenders etc.

[tphitman]

We've bee platinum for several years. The FTTF people have NEVER been allowed to board before the platinum and diamond passengers on any sailing we've been on. I don't see a problem with the FTTF program, and I would certainly purchase it if I weren't a platinum cruiser.

 

 

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[mousey]

Since everyone seems to be mocking the OP, let me say I am Gold with 3 cruises to go to platinum. The perks on Carnival are already the worst of any line, and now you let people pay a trivial amount to receive the perks I am working towards. Not good, shame on you Carnival for selling out your platinum members for $50.

 

Okay, color me "stupid" but what's the beef? Plats still board before FTTF passengers and now get to go directly to their rooms too. So what are Plats upset about? I don't get it...am I missing something here?:confused:

[elainmir]

We've bought FTTF for our anniversary cruise but have never used it before. I got it because DH has back issues and standing or sitting for long amounts of time cause his back to flare up...I didn't buy it to hurt the Plat or Diamond cruisers...I think it's great they offer it ...now just because I have FTTF doesn't mean I'm going to purposely pass those cruisers up or trample them or anything else negative. I'm just going to cruise on vacation to celebrate my anniversary with the love of my life. ;)

[t1adams]

I understand your frustration and I'm only Gold. Another analogy on my level would be how anyone could pay like $20 and be able to enter the Welcome Back party. I wouldn't be too thrilled either. That said, I'd never personally buy the FTTF. This past cruise i still boarded only about 10 minutes after the top and the FTTF were called to board. No biggie. And, I took my carry-on's right on into my room as we are always on Lido. Other than the early tender, I don't see a difference. That's just my own observation.

 

 

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[bobbyleduck]

I just want to go on another cruise! Maybe next year.

[mek]

I'm platinum and have been for some time and it doesn't bother me at all. I get the perks for free and others have to pay for them - why would I care about that?

[jimdalva]

The loyal platinum cruisers will always continue to sail. They complain, but they cruise. Its the NEW customers they are after(a much larger group then platinum cruisers) and are going to great length's to attract them. Its all about capturing more of the worlds vacation dollar, and they already have yours. FTTF is just one way to attract the new guys!

[Not_Done_Living]

I am planning my 4th cruise in 2 years --we have except for our first cruise with was a GTY Balcony, we always book Extended Balcony GS. We are only "red" level cruisers due to only having 16 days at sea -- but we have probably spent as much as a platinum as we always get top tier rooms.

 

i have two kids and my wife on my last 2 cruises -- and let me tell you hauling the carry ons around for 2 hours, on the lido waiting for our room to get ready was hell.

 

No offense but the embarkation day madness/rudeness on lido is way out of hand -- people arguing and fighting over limited seats -- you just cannot fit 1500 hungry hot excited people into that small space --- we had two very sad children who had been yelled at by adults for taking to long to eat, and telling them they should vacate the seats and show elders the respect they deserve -- it was not cool.

 

so the second cruise we got FTTF -- and were able to drop our stuff off -- walk to the lido and have a nice quiet lunch -- and then go back to our cabin and relax on the balcony while watching the madness on the Lido on our tv.

 

This next cruise we will be bringing our special needs foster daughter along with us -- and once again -- we will be using FTTF and i will not feel an iota of shame about it.

[Georgiagolfer]

1st let me state that DW and I are Platinum, and have been for quite a while. FTTF has benefitted us the same as someone who purchases. We NOW can legally go to our room when boarding. Prior to FTTF, this was not a perk. We do not feel the program has in any way diluted our perks. Actually, we are happy to receive anything as many Companies (Airlines, Motels, etc.) are cutting back on loyalty programs. DW says her favorite perk is still the laundry. Keeps her from packing so many shorts and shirts.

 

BTW, why do posters keep apologizing or trying to explain their reason for purchasing FTTF? It's your money and vacation, so enjoy.

Edited May 10, 2014 by Georgiagolfer
spelling

[bwaz]

I just got off the Paradise yesterday. I did purchase FTTF but also had a grand suite which included priority check in

I purchased FTTF for one reason only- so my room would be ready when I got on the ship to drop off my carry ons. That was worth the $50 to me and I'd do it again.

 

 

Hello, experienced Carnival cruisers. I have not sailed on Carnival for over 10 years, so I am not very familiar with the different levels. We have a grande suite, because 2 of our 5 family members have mobility issues - we need a little more space and time - we don't move that fast!. Is it correct that you need FTTF to have your cabin ready when you embark..that if you are in a grande suite, it will not be ready?

 

Thanks for your advice.

[Not_Done_Living]

I just got off the Paradise yesterday. I did purchase FTTF but also had a grand suite which included priority check in

I purchased FTTF for one reason only- so my room would be ready when I got on the ship to drop off my carry ons. That was worth the $50 to me and I'd do it again.

 

 

Hello, experienced Carnival cruisers. I have not sailed on Carnival for over 10 years, so I am not very familiar with the different levels. We have a grande suite, because 2 of our 5 family members have mobility issues - we need a little more space and time - we don't move that fast!. Is it correct that you need FTTF to have your cabin ready when you embark..that if you are in a grande suite, it will not be ready?

 

Thanks for your advice.

 

Yes even with a GS you need FTTF unless you are platinum or greater. It is worth the $50 per cabin.

 

 

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[SadieN]

Okay, color me "stupid" but what's the beef? Plats still board before FTTF passengers and now get to go directly to their rooms too. So what are Plats upset about? I don't get it...am I missing something here?:confused:

 

Priority checkin includes Diamond, Platinums, Suites and FTTF.

 

 

Our experience in Long Beach--

 

The Priority Building is puny. Three clerks and seating for maybe 30.

For early checkin they encourage everyone to go outside and sit on the planters.

If the weather is nasty everyone is huddled inside.

At times we have boarded the ship after our nonPriority carpoolers.

We have learnt to arrive around 11:30. The Dome is open and the crowds have dispersed.

 

FTTF has made an already crowded situation worse. Though I have heard that FTTF is using different lines for early checkin for some cruises.

Edited May 10, 2014 by SadieN

[mek]

1st let me state that DW and I are Platinum, and have been for quite a while. FTTF has benefitted us the same as someone who purchases. We NOW can legally go to our room when boarding. Prior to FTTF, this was not a perk. We do not feel the program has in any way diluted our perks. Actually, we are happy to receive anything as many Companies (Airlines, Motels, etc.) are cutting back on loyalty programs. DW says her favorite perk is still the laundry. Keeps her from packing so many shorts and shirts.

 

BTW, why do posters keep apologizing or trying to explain their reason for purchasing FTTF? It's your money and vacation, so enjoy.

 

Agree completely - those who purchase FTTF have no reason to explain why they buy it. Too bad if it ruffles some feathers - people should be enjoying their vacation and stop worrying about this.

Edited May 15, 2014 by mek

[CRUZBUDS]

We're Platinum and we would purchase FTTF if we weren't.

 

It was wonderful to go right to the cabin and have our bags within a half hour after that. (I know that time will vary).

 

It wasn't a perk that Carnival felt compelled to give Platinums until FTTF -- so for that we're grateful! :)

[kdinkus1]

Let's see, you get on before the FTTF group so unless you walk really slow and the FTTF people sprinted I don't see how you could get trampled :) Heck, before FTTF you would have been trampled by that pesky first boarding group that went on after you .

 

Those that purchase it don't get a t-shirt that says haha I paid for FTTF and you didn't. At least I didn't see where they sold it, so there might be one.

 

I am really upset now that I would have to pay for FTTF to get the perks but I don't get laundry or BOGO slots....not fair

 

I guess you are also upset that those silly people who get suites get to board early too...dang them. Wait! They board the suites after you go....they must have trampled you on the way on the ship, sorry about that it might have been me.

 

Let me just say right off the bat that yes... I am platinum. And yes... it does bother me that I worked so hard to get here when others now can buy it. BUT it is what it is and I accept that. Carnival is out to make money and Will, no matter at whose expense.

 

With that being said, I do want to address your quote above. On my last two cruises, the FTTF boarded first. On the first one, the FTTF group were 'escorted' by a Carnival member into the room and then taken on the ship before we were. Most of us just sat there trying to figure out what happened but others complained. Come to find out, (we were told later by a couple we met at dinner), that the person who led them onto the ship said that being in the FTTF group meant they boarded first; Plat/Diamond second.

 

On the next cruise, they had us sit in a different building, waiting to be called and then when they finally said we could board (an hour and a half late and with an escort), there was chaos outside and we were told that the FTTF group were already onboard. The next let in was a huge group of people (we estimated about 500 or more) who were standing in the front of the line. We were told it was because it was so congested and they needed to move some of them out of our way. Maybe this isn't the norm but it did happen on my LAST two cruises. So, as you can see, your comment (besides being 'snarky'), just isn't true. Just speaking from my experiences here...

[NavarreCruiser]

Okay, color me "stupid" but what's the beef? Plats still board before FTTF passengers and now get to go directly to their rooms too. So what are Plats upset about? I don't get it...am I missing something here?:confused:

 

Not at all ports. Some ports just say all priority go. And we Diamonds get run over.

[soccersharon]

Not at all ports. Some ports just say all priority go. And we Diamonds get run over.

 

Haven't I read that Plats, Diamonds can request an escort from GS to the tenders? I would definitely take advantage of that perk!

 

Sent from my mobile device. Typos are inevitable.

Edited May 16, 2014 by soccersharon

[Laurie S.]

Let me just say right off the bat that yes... I am platinum. And yes... it does bother me that I worked so hard to get here when others now can buy it. BUT it is what it is and I accept that. Carnival is out to make money and Will, no matter at whose expense.

 

With that being said, I do want to address your quote above. On my last two cruises, the FTTF boarded first. On the first one, the FTTF group were 'escorted' by a Carnival member into the room and then taken on the ship before we were. Most of us just sat there trying to figure out what happened but others complained. Come to find out, (we were told later by a couple we met at dinner), that the person who led them onto the ship said that being in the FTTF group meant they boarded first; Plat/Diamond second.

 

On the next cruise, they had us sit in a different building, waiting to be called and then when they finally said we could board (an hour and a half late and with an escort), there was chaos outside and we were told that the FTTF group were already onboard. The next let in was a huge group of people (we estimated about 500 or more) who were standing in the front of the line. We were told it was because it was so congested and they needed to move some of them out of our way. Maybe this isn't the norm but it did happen on my LAST two cruises. So, as you can see, your comment (besides being 'snarky'), just isn't true. Just speaking from my experiences here...

 

You didn't work to get your Platinum status, you paid for it by buying cruises. And, I buy FTTF because my suite doesn't give us anything but priority boarding.

[soccersharon]

Let me just say right off the bat that yes... I am platinum. And yes... it does bother me that I worked so hard to get here when others now can buy it. BUT it is what it is and I accept that. Carnival is out to make money and Will, no matter at whose expense.

 

With that being said, I do want to address your quote above. On my last two cruises, the FTTF boarded first. On the first one, the FTTF group were 'escorted' by a Carnival member into the room and then taken on the ship before we were. Most of us just sat there trying to figure out what happened but others complained. Come to find out, (we were told later by a couple we met at dinner), that the person who led them onto the ship said that being in the FTTF group meant they boarded first; Plat/Diamond second.

 

On the next cruise, they had us sit in a different building, waiting to be called and then when they finally said we could board (an hour and a half late and with an escort), there was chaos outside and we were told that the FTTF group were already onboard. The next let in was a huge group of people (we estimated about 500 or more) who were standing in the front of the line. We were told it was because it was so congested and they needed to move some of them out of our way. Maybe this isn't the norm but it did happen on my LAST two cruises. So, as you can see, your comment (besides being 'snarky'), just isn't true. Just speaking from my experiences here...

 

Clearly, the port person was confused. Plats, Diamonds are supposed to board before FTTF.

 

Sent from my mobile device. Typos are inevitable.

Edited May 17, 2014 by soccersharon

[Jenhem31]

Shouldn't everyone's beef be with Carnival, not the FTTF purchasers themselves? As for the trampling and people running past others to get on the ship, those are just rude individuals. They'd probably be like that even without FTTF.

 

I purchased FTTF for my first and only cruise strictly so I could drop my bags off in my room after boarding. I had a grand suite so I was already allowed priority boarding. We boarded after the wedding parties, and diamond and plats. Suites and FTTF boarded together. In my opinion, suite guests should have boarded before FTTF since those folks paid so much more for their rooms. But I really didn't care. I did not have a need to be on the ship first.

 

I totally understand why people would be upset but maybe the blame needs to be shifted a little?

 

There are rude FTTF as well as rude Diamond and Plats.

 

 

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[kdinkus1]

You didn't work to get your Platinum status, you paid for it by buying cruises. And, I buy FTTF because my suite doesn't give us anything but priority boarding.

 

Both my husband and myself 'WORKED' very hard to make the money that PAID for our cruises that helped us to reach Platinum status. We are not wealthy by any means and the hours we put in at our jobs prove this. So, yes... we did work to reach Platinum status! (as thousands of others have done before us!)