You guys are angry about the wrong VIFP perk!

[winddawn]

If true, that Carnival is offering free cruises to those statistically more inclined to spend, then this is good business sense. A good business plan is both beneficial to the business as well as the consumer. If Carnival's already low rates are coupled with increase in revenue, those rates will trend lower.

 

This is not to be confused with supply and demand. If more cabins are booked prices will trend up because the demand is high and the supply will be on the low end.

 

So, continue to give free cruises to those high spenders and I will continue to book relatively conveniently priced vacations. If I get a free one in the process, GREAT! If not, no big deal.

Good point, mighty13.

 

One item I picked up on from the WSJ article is how Carnival Corp is using the data to match its customers to its varied brands.

 

I received 2 of the free cruise offers within about 2 months earlier this year--one from Carnival and a second from Holland America. There were numerous ships and sail dates offered through June and I took them up on both offers. On Carnival, I also paid an upcharge of $240 total to upgrade the free inside cabin to an extended balcony cabin. I booked the inside cabin on HAL, and they sent me upsell offers in email 3 times before my sail date which I did not respond to. The week before that cruise, HAL upgraded me to an oceanview cabin for free (that's something HAL does that is much more rare on Carnival). After receiving the free upgrade, I called and paid $120 total extra to upgrade to a spa balcony cabin. While I've sailed on Carnival more than 20 times, what one might consider a loyal customer, I've only ever sailed on HAL once prior to the free offer. So that might be a good example of how Carnival is using the offers to attract customers to its higher end products. And yes--on HAL I thoroughly enjoyed the hot food from room service and having a cabin with real air conditioning that I could control!

 

After reading the WSJ article about Carnival Corp using data analytics, it made more sense. Normally I cruise 3 or 4 times a year, but never from spring break time through summertime simply because I'm not fond of cruising with a lot of kids. By Carnival Corp sending me these 2 freebies, they got me back onto their ships to spend more money at a time when I wouldn't otherwise do so. And no doubt they knew that from my previous cruising history with them. No doubt I'm of an age where Carnival might also expect someone to have more disposable income. So maybe that played a role too.

 

My point is, try viewing yourself as Carnival might. That might hold the answer to whether you might get a free cabin offer.

 

I'm not a high spender when it comes to booking cabins. It is rare that I ever book anything except an inside cabin, and those are usually cheapy 1As because I cruise solo. So obviously there are other factors in the free offers. I do however always buy the Cheers package and spend money in the casino. Its rare that I spend money on anything else onboard though except an occasional meal in the steakhouse.

 

So I guess I'm enjoying the benefit of Carnival Corp's new data analytics. I also appreciate being rewarded with something other than VIFP perks after having sailed about 30 times on Carnival brands. I happen to think that loyalty DOES pay.

[mzloolue]

I know that they are not going to offer me a free cruise.

 

I don't like casinos.

 

If I did like them I would go to Tunica where the payouts are better and they will give me free drinks.

 

 

I don't drink a lot.

And I don't buy much junk.

I don't need any more jewelry.

And I usually book my own excursions.

 

They may lose money on me actually.

[elliair]

It's a random rewarding of a certain group of VIFP members. And that's why it's unfair.

 

DISCUSS

 

In a nutshell, what this is all about is class envy. someone is getting something that someone else isn't getting. The world isn't fair and to make it fair it will tick off someone. This is human nature.

[elliair]

We have often got the free, but highly disjointed offer from Carnival. If we spent $3,000 traveling to and from (which they don't benefit from) on the most inopportune and specific dates for us as working adults, we would get a free inside cabin.

 

So what!

 

You missed my point IT ISN'T FREE, it's costing you something. Port fees, air fare, tips, blah, blah, blah. It's more than $3,000 for us. We would never stay in an inside cabin - not even for free.

[Tapi]

I was thinking about what is the biggest perk about being loyal to Carnival, and this is what I figured.

 

If you sail enough times on Carnival VS. other more expensive cruise lines, the savings will quickly add up to a free cruise.

 

Think about it. If your average fare on Carnival is $750 vs $1,000 on Royal, that's an extra $250 in your pocket. After just 3 cruises on Carnival, you have enough money saved to take a 4th Carnival cruise FREE.

 

And that my friends is the BIGGEST perk about sailing on Carnival. LOW PRICES. Not some crappy chocolate covered strawberries, or a bag of laundry, or a watered downed drink at a ridiculously packed party, but just low prices. So stop complaining and enjoy the biggest reason to sail on Carnival!

Edited May 10, 2015 by Tapi

[Boozebabe]

We have recieved 3 FREE offers in the past 3 years. I think it may be a combination of frequent sailing, money spent in the casino AND the fact that we can go on the spur of the moment so to speak. 1 offer was to cruise within the month and another was within 2 months. A lot of people can't plan that quickly and my PVP knows we can go at the drop of a hat. So for us I think its a combination. Just my guess.

[mighty13]

My point is, try viewing yourself as Carnival might. That might hold the answer to whether you might get a free cabin offer.

 

I'm not a high spender when it comes to booking cabins. It is rare that I ever book anything except an inside cabin, and those are usually cheapy 1As because I cruise solo. So obviously there are other factors in the free offers. I do however always buy the Cheers package and spend money in the casino. Its rare that I spend money on anything else onboard though except an occasional meal in the steakhouse.

 

If I were a 'free cruise decision maker' you would be my target. Someone who books an inside cabin and spends a bunch of money in the casino, on drinks, ship based excursions, etc.

 

Think about this for a second. Let's say the average 7 day cruise inside cabin costs $200 per person before taxes and port fees. That is ALL Carnival is out when offering a free cruise to someone who probably would have paid the $200 and enjoyed their time. What Carnival gets out of that person is $480(if they purchase the cheers program), $35(steakhouse, hey its a free cruise why not splurge), $99 excursion(You gotta do something right?), $25 picture(oh the memories), countless dollars in the casino, and you are doing ALL of this on a Carnival ship(or Carnival owned ship, in the case of HAL) as oppose to playing the field. Carnival has then recouped the money for that cruise well over 100%. This is why casino offers are so prevalent and why suite guests may get the shaft. Why give a usual suite guest who spends minimal money while onboard a free room, when you can give it to the perpetual inside room guest who is stuck at the bar in the casino. It is good business sense. Sorry if that doesn't seem fair. C'est La Vie.

[MrMileStoner]

You missed my point IT ISN'T FREE, it's costing you something. Port fees, air fare, tips, blah, blah, blah. It's more than $3,000 for us. We would never stay in an inside cabin - not even for free.

 

So? You expect Carnival to cover all that? They aren't going to comp many suites. If you want an upgrade, pay to upgrade the inside.

[samoan_bulldozer]

Six free balcony's in a row for me. Three so far this year, two last year, and one in 2013. All of them counted toward my days sailed. Could not care less about loyalty perks.

[Tapi]

Six free balcony's in a row for me. Three so far this year, two last year, and one in 2013. All of them counted toward my days sailed. Could not care less about loyalty perks.

 

 

Would you care to share with us some of your cruising patterns? Just trying to get a feel for who gets targeted with these free cruises

 

Type of cabin?

Frequency of cruising?

How much money do you spend on your S&S account?

Gambling?

Are you a member of any casino clubs or other groups?

 

Not trying to be nosey. Just trying to "crack The code!"

Edited May 10, 2015 by Tapi

[samoan_bulldozer]

Would you care to share with us some of your cruising patterns? Just trying to get a feel for who gets targeted with these free cruises

 

Type of cabin?

Frequency of cruising?

How much money do you spend on your S&S account?

Gambling?

Are you a member of any casino clubs or other groups?

 

Not trying to be nosey. Just trying to "crack The code!"

 

I always book some type of gimmicky balcony - vista, aft extended, or L shape.

I cruise about 4x/year. Mostly carnival.

I spend about 5k-10k onboard but that includes gambling funds (need the amex points :))

I play about 1500 points on slots and the rest on tables. anywhere between $25-$100 a hand on blackjack for the most of my time and $10 a spin on roulette sparingly. I tip the dealers very well when I win.

[Tapi]

I always book some type of gimmicky balcony - vista, aft extended, or L shape.

 

I cruise about 4x/year. Mostly carnival.

 

I spend about 5k-10k onboard but that includes gambling funds (need the amex points :))

 

I play about 1500 points on slots and the rest on tables. anywhere between $25-$100 a hand on blackjack for the most of my time and $10 a spin on roulette sparingly. I tip the dealers very well when I win.

 

 

Thanks for sharing! I truly appreciate it!

 

Something tells me that my once in 5 years, $259 porthole cabin, $20 gambling money, and $30 for a ship magnet and a hat budget, are not going to meet the requirements for a free cruise...[emoji26]

Edited May 10, 2015 by Tapi

[Tutontow]

I was thinking about what is the biggest perk about being loyal to Carnival, and this is what I figured.

 

If you sail enough times on Carnival VS. other more expensive cruise lines, the savings will quickly add up to a free cruise.

 

Think about it. If your average fare on Carnival is $750 vs $1,000 on Royal, that's an extra $250 in your pocket. After just 3 cruises on Carnival, you have enough money saved to take a 4th Carnival cruise FREE.

 

And that my friends is the BIGGEST perk about sailing on Carnival. LOW PRICES. Not some crappy chocolate covered strawberries, or a bag of laundry, or a watered downed drink at a ridiculously packed party, but just low prices. So stop complaining and enjoy the biggest reason to sail on Carnival!

 

Tapi, I agree with everything you said but let me add IMHO some of the best, friendliest, hard working employees you will find anywhere at any price. I am constantly amazed how nice the vast majority of Carnival employees are and how much fun we have on Carnival ships.

[winddawn]

Tapi, I agree with everything you said but let me add IMHO some of the best, friendliest, hard working employees you will find anywhere at any price. I am constantly amazed how nice the vast majority of Carnival employees are and how much fun we have on Carnival ships.

I totally agree, Tutontow. I love to express that opinion as often as I can. Carnival's team members rock!

[winddawn]

If I were a 'free cruise decision maker' you would be my target. Someone who books an inside cabin and spends a bunch of money in the casino, on drinks, ship based excursions, etc.

 

Think about this for a second. Let's say the average 7 day cruise inside cabin costs $200 per person before taxes and port fees. That is ALL Carnival is out when offering a free cruise to someone who probably would have paid the $200 and enjoyed their time. What Carnival gets out of that person is $480(if they purchase the cheers program), $35(steakhouse, hey its a free cruise why not splurge), $99 excursion(You gotta do something right?), $25 picture(oh the memories), countless dollars in the casino, and you are doing ALL of this on a Carnival ship(or Carnival owned ship, in the case of HAL) as oppose to playing the field. Carnival has then recouped the money for that cruise well over 100%. This is why casino offers are so prevalent and why suite guests may get the shaft. Why give a usual suite guest who spends minimal money while onboard a free room, when you can give it to the perpetual inside room guest who is stuck at the bar in the casino. It is good business sense. Sorry if that doesn't seem fair. C'est La Vie.

Well stated! I get on the ship as often as I can (except spring break and summer). I count my blessings every day that I get the vacation time that I do and am in the point in my career where I can enjoy that time. And Carnival team members bend over backwards to make me happy. Life is good! :-)

[Tutontow]

Would you care to share with us some of your cruising patterns? Just trying to get a feel for who gets targeted with these free cruises

 

Type of cabin?

Frequency of cruising?

How much money do you spend on your S&S account?

Gambling?

Are you a member of any casino clubs or other groups?

 

Not trying to be nosey. Just trying to "crack The code!"

 

My wife and I were given three free inside cabins last year.

 

We also were given the drink cards on the first night on those cruises.

 

Between the two of us we lost between $1500.00 and $2000.00 on those cruises

 

On each of those free cruises we upgraded to a balcony for $400.00 total.

 

I also upgrade to a GS for $700.00 total on two other free cruises.

 

I called the players club when it was the Ocean Players Club and Michael who is a supervisor there told me if you lose $1500.00 on a cruise you get a free room and a drink card. That seems to be true. We use one S&S card to buy in until we lose $1500.00 then we switch to the other spouses S&S card (we play table games.

 

On a couple of cruises we actually played a whole lot more at higher bets because we were winning and we did not receive a free cruise (actually we should say free cabin). We actually do leave a couple of thousand ahead a couple of times a year.

 

The thing is we are going to gamble and we gambled long before there was any kind of perks for us players so the new perks are a real plus.

 

On another note I saw where some of the Carnival Platinum and Diamonds were feeling slighted because they never received free cabins.

 

Somebody brought out a good point the Platinum's and Diamonds are going to cruise no matter what and that they have sailed so much they don't really spend much money on board because they have been there and done that.

 

Of course there is always the person with 60 cruises under there belt who lives in the casino and I'm willing to bet they get free offers.

[eponym]

You missed my point IT ISN'T FREE, it's costing you something. Port fees, air fare, tips, blah, blah, blah. It's more than $3,000 for us. We would never stay in an inside cabin - not even for free.

 

I was concurring, and providing our first hand experiences. And, even with the free offers (yes, the offer is for free cruise contract, but pay tax/ports), we do not spend $3,000 to get back and forth to a port from where we live to cruise on an inside cabin either.

Edited May 10, 2015 by eponym

[eponym]

Thanks for sharing! I truly appreciate it!

 

Something tells me that my once in 5 years, $259 porthole cabin, $20 gambling money, and $30 for a ship magnet and a hat budget, are not going to meet the requirements for a free cruise...[emoji26]

 

Honesty sometimes hurts! Love this post!

[KatieCharlotte]

I would be shocked to ever receive a free cabin offer. I have never received any special offers in my account, and my husband has not received any in the past year. I do not expect that kind of loyalty. I am not at all envious of those who have received the offers and honestly think Carnival would be crazy to give us a free cabin. The only way they make much money on us are through occasional pricy excursions and our need to travel during more expensive weeks. I do think that the price of a Carnival cruise without discounts is more than fair.

Edited May 10, 2015 by KatieCharlotte

[elliair]

So? You expect Carnival to cover all that? They aren't going to comp many suites. If you want an upgrade, pay to upgrade the inside.

 

What's free? It isn't free if it's going to cost me $3,000+ to get there. I want a balcony cabin in the best location, all my port fees, tips, etc., paid for by Carnival. The only thing I would pay for is alcohol and gambling. To me, that's "free." The "free" thing is just a gimmick which I'm a bit smarter to fall for. As I said before it's insulting to my intelligence.

[Tutontow]

What's free? It isn't free if it's going to cost me $3,000+ to get there. I want a balcony cabin in the best location, all my port fees, tips, etc., paid for by Carnival. The only thing I would pay for is alcohol and gambling. To me, that's "free." The "free" thing is just a gimmick which I'm a bit smarter to fall for. As I said before it's insulting to my intelligence.

 

I live in Florida with five ports basically in my backyard. Anytime CCL wants to insult me with their "free" cruise offers I say bring it on.

 

Like I said before a GS for two cost me $700.00 and a balcony was $400.00.

 

I like those type of insults. I guess I am just not smart enough to see how they are insulting me.

 

My sister in law is taking a five night "free' cruise and she didn't upgrade. Her total cost including tips is $150.00 for a five night cruise.

 

I will say rather than say free cruise, free cabin would be more appropriate.

[Wilgr]

I live in Florida with five ports basically in my backyard. Anytime CCL wants to insult me with their "free" cruise offers I say bring it on.

 

Like I said before a GS for two cost me $700.00 and a balcony was $400.00.

 

I like those type of insults. I guess I am just not smart enough to see how they are insulting me.

 

My sister in law is taking a five night "free' cruise and she didn't upgrade. Her total cost including tips is $150.00 for a five night cruise.

 

I will say rather than say free cruise, free cabin would be more appropriate.

 

I am with you, keep sending them and I will keep taking them....my friends and family enjoy me inviting them to go on an 8 day cruise that costs them $100-150. I guess Carnival is outsmarting me too.

[eponym]

I live in Florida with five ports basically in my backyard. Anytime CCL wants to insult me with their "free" cruise offers I say bring it on...

 

I like those type of insults. I guess I am just not smart enough to see how they are insulting me.

 

My sister in law is taking a five night "free' cruise and she didn't upgrade. Her total cost including tips is $150.00 for a five night cruise...

 

 

If their total spend was $150 for 5 nights and that includes tips/tax/ports and whatever - I have said it before, and it's only 2 words.

 

Big Data.

 

It's coming to a VIFP near many of us.

Edited May 11, 2015 by eponym

[Wilgr]

What's free? It isn't free if it's going to cost me $3,000+ to get there. I want a balcony cabin in the best location, all my port fees, tips, etc., paid for by Carnival. The only thing I would pay for is alcohol and gambling. To me, that's "free." The "free" thing is just a gimmick which I'm a bit smarter to fall for. As I said before it's insulting to my intelligence.

 

You are right, I have to pay all of those things and I also pay $350pp for any balcony available or $700pp for any grand suite available when I book (captain suite included), that's not free, just discounted about 3-6K. Shame on them for tricking me like that. I have been outsmarted again.......