Alaska Connoisseur Platinum Level

[flip side of fifty]

My husband has never been on a cruise, his first will be a 15 day Connoisseur Escorted Alaska tour in May 2016. I really want everything to be great for him (and maybe he will decide to take more :D)! I am currently at Ruby Level with one more cruise to go before reaching Platinum, but because I have always cruised with my mother (Platinum), I have experienced those little extras that level provides already. (Those little things like check in, drinks before dinner, etc. , they can make that first cruise a little more special.)

 

Mother and I are considering taking a cruise together before the May 2016 cruise with my husband. Its between 2, one being Princess and one being another cruise line. The second one is a little cheaper but not much.

 

My question: Should the Princess Cruise weigh heavier in our evaluation - Because it will put me into the Platinum Level for our Alaska Connoisseur trip???

And, Are there any extras provided for the Platinum Level on the land cruise portion of the trip, or are they exclusive of the cruise portion???

 

A lot of you have been on these Alaska Connoisseur trips before, and any recommendations, comments or opinions are welcome!!

 

Thank you in advance for your comments.

[paul929207]

Captain's Circle status had no affect on the land portion

[Working 2 Cruise]

I'm surprised you were allowed to get in the platinum/elite/suite party at all... that shouldn't have happened. Check-in, yes, because you were sailing in the same cabin as your mother. With your husband, not sure if you'll be able to check-in, embark faster...

 

If you want those perks for your next cruise, pick Princess.

 

As Paul said, no perks on the land portion.

[flip side of fifty]

Thank you for the information - good to know about the land portion.

 

Wondering now ... if I wasn't suppose to be able to attend the " Platinum Happy Hour" with my mother (never had a problem and just assumed that as a couple we were OK) will they "kick my husband out of the bar"???:eek:

[Working 2 Cruise]

Thank you for the information - good to know about the land portion.

 

Wondering now ... if I wasn't suppose to be able to attend the " Platinum Happy Hour" with my mother (never had a problem and just assumed that as a couple we were OK) will they "kick my husband out of the bar"???:eek:

 

He could be, yes, and so could you... They do check cruise cards on most of the ships. You were lucky.

[Kinkacruiser]

Best benefits flow once you hit elite (ship only), so I wouldn't worry about fitting in another cruise to get to platinum.

The Connoisseur land tour is excellent...most meals are provided and the assigned guide will make sure everything flows smoothly.

My pick of the lodges was 1.Mt McKinley 2. Fairbanks 3. Denali

The scenery is breathtaking so I hope you enjoy yourselves.

Incidentally, our May tour had the best weather and unblocked views of Mt. McKinley (Denali)

[shredie]

He could be, yes, and so could you... They do check cruise cards on most of the ships. You were lucky.

 

It varies from ship to ship. Some don't check cards at the door, some do. Some will tell you not to bring in a non-eligible person, some won't.

[srpilo]

It varies from ship to ship. Some don't check cards at the door, some do. Some will tell you not to bring in a non-eligible person, some won't.

 

I agree..

Personally I can't even remember the last time anyone even checked, except maybe when using my card to pay for the drinks.

 

 

Op .. If as a couple one of you is at least platinum, you won't be challenged

Srpilo

[Iowa Traveler]

Thank you for the information - good to know about the land portion.

 

Wondering now ... if I wasn't suppose to be able to attend the " Platinum Happy Hour" with my mother (never had a problem and just assumed that as a couple we were OK) will they "kick my husband out of the bar"???:eek:

Took MIL to Platinum/Elite/Suite Lounge several nights with okay from Princess Circle Rep. She said to be sure DH or I (both Platinum) paid for the drinks.

I cannot believe they would kick your husband out of the lounge.

Have fun!:)

[flip side of fifty]

Thank you for your replies

Yes, when I went with my mother she always showed her card to pay for the drinks.

I would pay for any drinks with "my Platinum Card", and could show at the door. We would not go if I didn't achieve the Platinum level prior to cruising. Don't know if I will ever reach Elite...

 

Thanks for the info.... If I do reach Platinum prior to sailing I will go , show my card and at least plan that it will be OK.

Thanks again!!

[Colo Cruiser]

I'm surprised you were allowed to get in the platinum/elite/suite party at all... that shouldn't have happened. Check-in, yes, because you were sailing in the same cabin as your mother. With your husband, not sure if you'll be able to check-in, embark faster...

 

If you want those perks for your next cruise, pick Princess.

 

As Paul said, no perks on the land portion.

 

 

Her mother is Platinum. Maybe that's why. ;)

Edited July 16, 2015 by Colo Cruiser

[AZbeachboy]

Some of what has been said is not true about the happy hour. Who ever is traveling with you in the cabin may attend. It should not be a worry. As some have said much of the time they don't check cards. Only one time out of four were we ever checked.

[MustangGT]

If OP takes another Princess cruise before Alaska, she will be Platinum on the Alaska cruise. Assuming her husband is sharing her cabin, he will be allowed to embark/disembark with her. As for the Elite/Platinum/Suite nightly lounge, I can't see them denying his presence as they are in the same cabin!

 

OP - have a wonderful time in Alaska! It is spectacular!!

[Pam in CA]

Some of what has been said is not true about the happy hour. Who ever is traveling with you in the cabin may attend. It should not be a worry. As some have said much of the time they don't check cards. Only one time out of four were we ever checked.

I agree. If you're in the same cabin as someone who is Platinum, you can do Priority check-in, the Captain's Circle party, the evening Platinum/Elite lounge, etc.

[GrizBear]

15 day Connoisseur Escorted Alaska tour - we just returned from this tour. It was beyond amazing. The Connoisseur land tour provided many small extras. We always had a room with a view in the newest or most newly renovated part of each lodge. When moving place to place it is door to door service. We were provided with snacks and water on our travel days. Tour guide was full of info and took care of everything. She checked us in and out of each lodge, gave us our keys and lodge info, made dinner reservations and so much more. You are definitely spoiled and taken care of at all times. I am sure everyone has their own favorite lodges for a variety of reasons, ours were 1.Copper River, 2.Kenai, 3.Denali, and 4.Fairbanks. If you have any interest in seeing sealife be sure to sign up for the Kenai Fjords excursion from the Kenai Lodge. This one fills up early. The food that's included is fantastic! Loved the crab legs. Enjoy!

[flip side of fifty]

Thank you all for your comments (and yes mom is already Platinum)

I know this will be our trip of a lifetime!

I am so excited - now just have to wait for 10 months!:D