Elite Status "The Easy Way"

[iownapolarbear]

Not true. Elite for as long as you are active as a TA.

 

However, it is HARDLY the easy way. You need to watch and take tests on 20+ videos on line and actually stay active booking cruises. I find it a wee bit offensive that people say you just "sign up to be a TA" and that's it.

 

:rolleyes:

 

You are correct! The OneSource Princess Cruise Academy was NOT easy! And I am a veteran of 31 cruises and 25 years in the travel industry! One must also take "refresher" courses throughout the year to keep current. Cunard offers this program also. Time to sign up for that one too! :)

[O2Bcrusin]

What many people forget when they mention that someone got to the Elite level the easy way is the other easy way..

 

The other way is to take a travel agent course, take a test and be

awarded the Commodore level and Elite without ever having to sail on a Princess ship or any ship for that matter.

 

You do have to have $5000 in sales before you can do this.

[O2Bcrusin]

Yeah, but they're only Elite for their graduation cruise... next cruise, they'll be Gold.

 

This is not true. You keep your commodore status by taking refresher courses and thereby maintain your elite status.

Edited April 4, 2014 by O2Bcrusin

[O2Bcrusin]

Not true. Elite for as long as you are active as a TA.

 

However, it is HARDLY the easy way. You need to watch and take tests on 20+ videos on line and actually stay active booking cruises. I find it a wee bit offensive that people say you just "sign up to be a TA" and that's it.

 

:rolleyes:

Agree!

[O2Bcrusin]

...or slip a few bucks to someone who already has.

No way that would work.

[Woobstr112G]

This all shows that the original intent of the program has been bastardized and they don't care. Kind of the same attitude they have toward folks showing up in the MDR on Formal Nights and letting them in.

Time for a change in the program to reflect real commitment to sailing with Princess.

 

 

[pablo222]

No way that would work.

 

For a lot of on-line 'training', there is a pretty good black market

for hiring a fill in. Impossible to tell who is actually pressing the

keys.

 

This is no different than 1000 years ago when I was in college,

and you could pay someone to write a term paper for you.

 

Always the best when the paper was on ethics!

[LMaxwell]

It seems to me that Princess sets the criteria for obtaining credit in their program, and while it may not be "fair" everyone still has to pay in to get the benefit. I really don't see why it is a problem for anyone else. If you have the resources (time, money) to take long journeys that is awesome and should be a reward in and of itself. If you elect to take 1, 2, or 3 night trips, Princess recognizes your contribution to their business. What's the problem?

 

It sounds to me that the program works as intended. There are ways to get credits economically, or ways to pay a ton for them. The only people who are "hurt" are the ones who spent a lot more time or money than others for their benefits. Well, you had options to do it other ways within the rules of the program, but you chose yours. Why feel hurt over this?

 

I met a guy who became Diamond in FIVE cruises with RCI; B2B2B2B all in a row; had never sailed with them before. He now has the same benefit as many people take 10-20 years to reach. Now, I am sure he didn't do it to get the benefit, and he spent a fortune in doing so, but I am sure someone was hurt / offended that he did it in 5 weeks...

[FritzG]

It seems to me that Princess sets the criteria for obtaining credit in their program, and while it may not be "fair" everyone still has to pay in to get the benefit. I really don't see why it is a problem for anyone else. If you have the resources (time, money) to take long journeys that is awesome and should be a reward in and of itself. If you elect to take 1, 2, or 3 night trips, Princess recognizes your contribution to their business. What's the problem?

 

It sounds to me that the program works as intended. There are ways to get credits economically, or ways to pay a ton for them. The only people who are "hurt" are the ones who spent a lot more time or money than others for their benefits. Well, you had options to do it other ways within the rules of the program, but you chose yours. Why feel hurt over this?

 

I met a guy who became Diamond in FIVE cruises with RCI; B2B2B2B all in a row; had never sailed with them before. He now has the same benefit as many people take 10-20 years to reach. Now, I am sure he didn't do it to get the benefit, and he spent a fortune in doing so, but I am sure someone was hurt / offended that he did it in 5 weeks...

 

Good post--I agree. Even though we're reaching 15 cruises and 150 days at the same time on the Ruby TA this fall, I have no complaints. We mostly take longer cruises because we like TA's so it took us longer to reach elite. That was our choice. Others like short cruises and got to Elite sooner; that was their choice.

Edited April 4, 2014 by FritzG

[shredie]

It seems to me that Princess sets the criteria for obtaining credit in their program, and while it may not be "fair" everyone still has to pay in to get the benefit. I really don't see why it is a problem for anyone else.

 

I agree. Perhaps what we need is a two-color scheme for Elite cards. Black for the people who did it the "right" way and something else (I'd suggest "scarlett" but red's taken) for those who "cheated" their way to the top. Maybe they could wash only half the dirty clothes free for cheaters and cut off the internet at the half hour every time some cheater logs on. Black cards go to the head of the line and the others have to stand behind them? As you say, "I really don't see why it is a problem for anyone else."

[LMaxwell]

I agree. Perhaps what we need is a two-color scheme for Elite cards. Black for the people who did it the "right" way and something else (I'd suggest "scarlett" but red's taken) for those who "cheated" their way to the top. Maybe they could wash only half the dirty clothes free for cheaters and cut off the internet at the half hour every time some cheater logs on. Black cards go to the head of the line and the others have to stand behind them? As you say, "I really don't see why it is a problem for anyone else."

 

I'm not sure if this is serious, satire, a gross misunderstanding of my point, or what. Perhaps I am just not catching your sense of humor?

 

It's really kind of arrogant and pompous to suggest that just because one has more disposable income and discretionary time that they have somehow achieved something the "right" way. No one here has actually achieved something. There is no betterment of society. There was no discovery for the common good. You were simple able to afford to pay for vacations. That may be a benefit of personal successes but is not a measure of ones successes in and of itself. If someone asks what I have accomplished in life I don't list my cruise, airline, or hotel tier levels. :confused:

 

If your goal is to enjoy life, book the itineraries on the ships you wish to travel on, with whomever you wish to travel with, and accept that the benefits are a fringe nicety.

 

 

If, however, your main concern was being an Elite member with rewards and perks and you simple want to get there as expeditiously as possible simply read the rules to the rewards program and play the game as smart as you possibly can. The "right" way is nothing more than earning the status as described by the program. It's your choice really.

 

Rule readers tend to derive the most "benefit" from any system. I see this as no different than come on offers from banks, credit cards, stores, etc. Some programs can be great if you play according to the businesses rules. In general they are designed to get you to spend more.

 

You seem annoyed that Princess extends benefits or recognition to people who do not go on long sailings or spend X amount of dollars per cruise with them. I don't understand that position. Is Princess not part of a publicy traded company that answers to shareholders? Are they not beholden to have policies which when applied in an even manner do the most to drum up business?

 

And your benefits can be revoked at any time if Princess determines you aren't (you as a cruising general population, not you as in YOU) spending enough money on board and / or are costing too much to "keep" via these benefits.

 

No one here should need any soothing of a bruised ego because they were able to enjoy the fruits of their labors as measured in expensive and lengthy vacations. Sorry, my tiny violin needs to be restrung first.

[Wehwalt]

I should add that it costs Princess very little, compared to the price of the cruise, to provide Elite benefits. The minibar probably costs them the most. The laundry costs are, I would think, more or less fixed.

 

Squabbling in the street over pennies lacks a certain dignity.

[runnerodb83]

I'm not sure if this is serious, satire, a gross misunderstanding of my point, or what. Perhaps I am just not catching your sense of humor?

 

It's really kind of arrogant and pompous to suggest that just because one has more disposable income and discretionary time that they have somehow achieved something the "right" way. No one here has actually achieved something. There is no betterment of society. There was no discovery for the common good. You were simple able to afford to pay for vacations. That may be a benefit of personal successes but is not a measure of ones successes in and of itself. If someone asks what I have accomplished in life I don't list my cruise, airline, or hotel tier levels. :confused:

 

If your goal is to enjoy life, book the itineraries on the ships you wish to travel on, with whomever you wish to travel with, and accept that the benefits are a fringe nicety.

 

 

If, however, your main concern was being an Elite member with rewards and perks and you simple want to get there as expeditiously as possible simply read the rules to the rewards program and play the game as smart as you possibly can. The "right" way is nothing more than earning the status as described by the program. It's your choice really.

 

Rule readers tend to derive the most "benefit" from any system. I see this as no different than come on offers from banks, credit cards, stores, etc. Some programs can be great if you play according to the businesses rules. In general they are designed to get you to spend more.

 

You seem annoyed that Princess extends benefits or recognition to people who do not go on long sailings or spend X amount of dollars per cruise with them. I don't understand that position. Is Princess not part of a publicy traded company that answers to shareholders? Are they not beholden to have policies which when applied in an even manner do the most to drum up business?

 

And your benefits can be revoked at any time if Princess determines you aren't (you as a cruising general population, not you as in YOU) spending enough money on board and / or are costing too much to "keep" via these benefits.

 

No one here should need any soothing of a bruised ego because they were able to enjoy the fruits of their labors as measured in expensive and lengthy vacations. Sorry, my tiny violin needs to be restrung first.

 

These topics should be closed, all they do is divide us. Some people want respect for cruising x number of days. Well I'll admit I got to elite the easy way, and you know what, I would be fine with a different card system, even if I wasn't a "true" elite, I wouldn't want to be around those types of folks that see the world in a caste system anyways, it would ruin my vacation!

[swedish weave]

I am elite on Princess, and the only way they could hurt me is to take my bar set-up and give it to someone else --- OR ---- Give my laundry back to me dirty so they could wash someone elses clothes. In other words--I don't care how others got their status because it doesn't affect me one iota !!!

[shredie]

I'm not sure if this is serious, satire, a gross misunderstanding of my point, or what. Perhaps I am just not catching your sense of humor?

 

Guess I didn't make myself clear. When I used quotes around "right" and "cheated," I was indicating that I used the words ironically. Joke. Haha. Oh well... I was, in fact, agreeing with you.

[rubrrick]

You do have to have $5000 in sales before you can do this.

 

You have to do $5,000.00 in commissions before qualifying for IATA. Princess looks to either CLIA members or IATA members to qualify for becoming part of the Princess TA program.

 

There are a few on here that understand how the TA "One Source" program works. they are bonafied agents, and work very hard, and Princess rewards them for their work, just as they reward those that have cruised many times with Princess to earn their status.

 

It's nice to be a true Elite, as well as being a Commodore through the Princess Academy.;)

 

Rick

[O2Bcrusin]

For a lot of on-line 'training', there is a pretty good black market

for hiring a fill in. Impossible to tell who is actually pressing the

keys.

 

This is no different than 1000 years ago when I was in college,

and you could pay someone to write a term paper for you.

 

Always the best when the paper was on ethics!

 

Yes I guess there is always those who cheat. I just don't think along those lines.

[Ldyandrea]

I've traveled solo on quite a few cruises, and am working on getting to Elite status, through a mix of varying lengths of cruises. Some shorter and some 7-day long cruises. I tend to provide a good deal of promotion for Princess just by talking to friends and co-workers about the various cruises I take, and I wouldn't be surprised if Princess also takes into consideration the kind of marketing value that people who take the shorter cruises can provide. Also, Princess isn't generally known to have shorter cruises available out of Florida, and I know that I talk to any number of people about Princess who haven't been aware of them previously.

 

In any case, much as becoming Elite provides some nice tangible benefits, there are benefits that those frequent cruisers provide to Princess, above and beyond the money we ourselves pay for our own trips. We're their best marketing campaign! :)

[rpcv77]

I am not Elite, not even close (tomorrow I embark on my second Princess cruise). Although the perks of Elite status sound lovely, I just don't get the the desire, by some, to create a cruising caste system. I love cruising and if I ever reach a special status on a cruise line, I will enjoy the perks, but will never think about the status of others or how they got there. And if I never achieve a special status? I will still enjoy each and every cruise!

[lovemykids2]

I think the spending is actually less. JMHO

 

I seem to spend lots in the gift shops no matter the the days on board LOL.

I am determined to not spend anything other than my tips this time:eek:

[Colo Cruiser]

I seem to spend lots in the gift shops no matter the the days on board LOL.

I am determined to not spend anything other than my tips this time:eek:

 

That would be a better way to look at it. :D

[Thrak]

We intend to make it to elite someday but we can't retire quite yet and work can really interfere with what one wants to do. We will cruise when we can and the cruise length will mostly depend on what we can fit into our schedule and can afford at the time. It will probably take us a long time but at least we will get to cruise. We aren't in a hurry to get to elite so it's not a big enticement to us to book short cruises.

 

We only have two cruises so far with two more booked. We have a 10 day and a 15 day logged with a 4 day and a 10 day booked. The 4 day is because we can squeeze it into our work schedules. We would love for it to be longer but we just can't fit it in at this time so we are taking what we can fit in. We figure the shortie cruise will be better than no cruise. I'd rather swap it for a 28 day cruise but... :rolleyes:

[Wehwalt]

I am not Elite, not even close (tomorrow I embark on my second Princess cruise). Although the perks of Elite status sound lovely, I just don't get the the desire, by some, to create a cruising caste system. I love cruising and if I ever reach a special status on a cruise line, I will enjoy the perks, but will never think about the status of others or how they got there. And if I never achieve a special status? I will still enjoy each and every cruise!

 

I tend to agree. Think of it this way: off the ship, being Elite doesn't even get you a discount on a car rental. None of the perks cost Princess very much money. It's marketing. I enjoy the perks as much as the next guy, but when they start inviting me to the top 40 most traveled (Princess's Top 40?), I doubt I'll bother to go. I only go to the wine tasting because I like the dessert wine glass you get to keep!

 

Bon voyage.

[Lanwood]

Reading everyone else's - easy routes - to elite, I am definitely taking the hard way by cruising across many different lines.

 

There's just so many of them. And so many I haven't tried yet (granted some are not my cup of tea). Personally my opinion is - if I don't do it, I wouldn't have done it :)

 

But I do keep coming back to Princess, it's just going to take me a bit longer. Wait for me everyone at the finish line, won't you. Will only be another couple of decades.....:D

[lovemykids2]

I tend to agree. Think of it this way: off the ship, being Elite doesn't even get you a discount on a car rental. None of the perks . I only go to the wine tasting because I like the dessert wine glass you get to keep!

Good tip... I didn't realize they gave you a dessert wine glass to keep.. I guess I will go to the wine tasting on my next cruise in May. :D I travel with others who are not Elite so I figured I would not go but, hey they were in the casino anyways (and I don't gamble) :p ha ha