Change in Carnival Loyalty Program

[Luke Dawg]

This has been a long time in the works....Back on 11/17/14 Carnival CEO Arnold Donald stated that plans are in the works for a loyalty program that would cut across the nine brands and that it is coming down the pike...hopefully we have reached the end of the pike if what John says is true and happens within a reasonable time frame. We shall see just how soon this will be...

I hope they do something like that

[Jenhem31]

It'd be nice if they gave more points to those who book suites, balconies, Havana Cabanas, etc.

[falkcor]

It'd be nice if they gave more points to those who book suites, balconies, Havana Cabanas, etc.

 

 

Agreed. I also think it'd be nice if they gave more points to those who spend more onboard too.

 

Pax 1 could book an inside room on a 5 day from Florida last minute for say $200 and spend nothing on their sign and sail all cruise... Plenty on here say that's exactly what they do. Total $200.

 

Pax 2 could book a balcony room on a 5 day from New York for say $750, buy cheers, stuff from the shops, steakhouse etc and spend say the same as their fare, $750 on their sign and sail... And let's say they book an excursion too for $100. Total $1600.

 

Both will get the same 5 days.

 

Pax 1 could do the same thing they did in this example for a whopping 8 cruises, or a total of 40 vifp sail days for the same cost spent.

 

That doesn't exactly seem 'fair' now does it? I often think of that when people object to changing the system, regarding money spent (including in this thread). They're similar to those that'd book 10 3 day cruises to get to platinum super cheap as compared to say 10 7 day cruises.

 

And that said, which pax do you think carnival would want in their ship for the week? They make their profit off the onboard spending, not subsidizing cheap vacations for those who won't spend anything onboard. So why shouldn't they reward the pax 2 cruiser that makes them their profit? They already do those who do much of their onboard spending in the casino with free cruises, perks, etc.

[Gypsywych]

Agreed. I also think it'd be nice if they gave more points to those who spend more onboard too.

 

Pax 1 could book an inside room on a 5 day from Florida last minute for say $200 and spend nothing on their sign and sail all cruise... Plenty on here say that's exactly what they do. Total $200.

 

Pax 2 could book a balcony room on a 5 day from New York for say $750, buy cheers, stuff from the shops, steakhouse etc and spend say the same as their fare, $750 on their sign and sail... And let's say they book an excursion too for $100. Total $1600.

 

Both will get the same 5 days.

 

Pax 1 could do the same thing they did in this example for a whopping 8 cruises, or a total of 40 vifp sail days for the same cost spent.

 

That doesn't exactly seem 'fair' now does it? I often think of that when people object to changing the system, regarding money spent (including in this thread). They're similar to those that'd book 10 3 day cruises to get to platinum super cheap as compared to say 10 7 day cruises.

 

And that said, which pax do you think carnival would want in their ship for the week? They make their profit off the onboard spending, not subsidizing cheap vacations for those who won't spend anything onboard. So why shouldn't they reward the pax 2 cruiser that makes them their profit? They already do those who do much of their onboard spending in the casino with free cruises, perks, etc.

 

 

From one who won't sail without a balcony, and who spends a more than reasonable amount on her cruises...... I think it sounds exactly fair. 5 days is 5 days.

What you choose to spend on those 5 days is entirely up to you. If you don't want to spend it, don't. It doesn't change those 5 days.

 

You received value for your money whether it was in the size of your cabin, amount of services or goods. That is called fair too.

[SIENA6334]

Money spent doesn't mean you are more loyal. I have 12 cruises, all with Carnival, but I can only afford one a year. I believe that makes me a "loyal Carnival cruiser " no difference what I spend.

[Izzziee]

I stopped being loyal to carnival when we were demoted from gold, then got back up to gold only to be told we were no longer entitled to the past guest party and got a drinks voucher or something. I understand they have changed that again since, and not for the better.

At this time I have 3 cruises booked, 1 Carnival, one P@O, and one Celebrity, our last cruse was Princess where I'm now platinum, my favourite benefit there is the Internet credits, 150 mins on a 7 day or less cruise and rising on longer cruises :)

 

The best thing I did was to have a look around :)

[deborahjo]

Would love to see one loyalty plan for CCL' date=' Princess and HA but dont think that is going to happen.

 

 

 

More likely they will look to make platinum harder to get too.[/quote']

 

 

If they would do this I would be platinum in October with my princess cruise.

 

 

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[Cuizer2]

Agreed. I also think it'd be nice if they gave more points to those who spend more onboard too.

 

Pax 1 could book an inside room on a 5 day from Florida last minute for say $200 and spend nothing on their sign and sail all cruise... Plenty on here say that's exactly what they do. Total $200.

 

Pax 2 could book a balcony room on a 5 day from New York for say $750, buy cheers, stuff from the shops, steakhouse etc and spend say the same as their fare, $750 on their sign and sail... And let's say they book an excursion too for $100. Total $1600.

 

Both will get the same 5 days.

 

Pax 1 could do the same thing they did in this example for a whopping 8 cruises, or a total of 40 vifp sail days for the same cost spent.

 

That doesn't exactly seem 'fair' now does it? I often think of that when people object to changing the system, regarding money spent (including in this thread). They're similar to those that'd book 10 3 day cruises to get to platinum super cheap as compared to say 10 7 day cruises.

 

And that said, which pax do you think carnival would want in their ship for the week? They make their profit off the onboard spending, not subsidizing cheap vacations for those who won't spend anything onboard. So why shouldn't they reward the pax 2 cruiser that makes them their profit? They already do those who do much of their onboard spending in the casino with free cruises, perks, etc.

 

Well, lets take a look at this. Do you cruise because you enjoy cruising, or do you cruise solely to gain status? Someone who spends only $200 on their cruise will end up with a $200 dollar cruise. That is not something I would enjoy. And to do this eight times, just for status? No thank you. Besides, most of the status benefits can be purchased for a lot less than the cost of getting to that status.

 

Someone who spends gets better accommodations, buys a few souvenirs, spends a little more on fun things and spends some time off the ship will have a far more varied experience. This is more my style, though I've cruises enough that I only spend $350 on board, not counting the excursions I go on, typically one per port. I this is more my style. So I don't envy the person who spent only $200.

 

If you go to a how much did you pay system, then the rich get all the benefits, which is why it seems the rich get more free stuff than the middle class, yet it is the middle class that can benefit more from the free stuff.

[nealstuber]

Money spent doesn't mean you are more loyal. I have 12 cruises, all with Carnival, but I can only afford one a year. I believe that makes me a "loyal Carnival cruiser " no difference what I spend.

 

 

Disagree. The program came a long way when they recognized days sailed vs # of cruises. At the end of the day, the purpose of the program is to get folks to spend more - so it only makes sense to reward those who spend more. Of course, there will have to be some downgrading in perks per status if all lines were included - but I personally hope the core of a new program makes it a little easier to cruise more frequently and pleasantly for those who do.

[Luke Dawg]

listen folks your are only as important as your last dollar you spent with CCL. They don't care if you are a balcony, suite or inside. It is all about how much you spend. If you spend 10k on one cruise or 10k on 10 cruises, when they close the books it is still 10k.

[cruising maniac]

listen folks your are only as important as your last dollar you spent with CCL. They don't care if you are a balcony, suite or inside. It is all about how much you spend. If you spend 10k on one cruise or 10k on 10 cruises, when they close the books it is still 10k.

 

They care about you coming back for another cruise and they care about how much money they make on you. What you said does not make sense because they would have to feed you and clean up after you 10 times instead of one time. That would cost them money and they would not appreciate so much profit.

[Max Circus]

It would be nice to see a change where what you spend onboard contributes to your status. On HAL each eligible $300 spending in the spa contributes to your Mariner status.

 

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[watermelonqueen99]

all I expect from carnival is a great cruise, I am not demanding or expecting or begging for anything more...and "perk" is greatly appreciated and not complained about

 

Well said, I agree! We'll turn platinum in about 17 months. Do I hope they keep it at 75 days so that we get to exchange our mustard yellow cards for shiny silver ones in December 2017? Sure, but either way, I know we're going to have an amazing 7 days on that ship, so we're good. :)

[cruzn buckeye]

Well said, I agree! We'll turn platinum in about 17 months. Do I hope they keep it at 75 days so that we get to exchange our mustard yellow cards for shiny silver ones in December 2017? Sure, but either way, I know we're going to have an amazing 7 days on that ship, so we're good. :)

This is true! Always have an a great cruise with CArnival. I still have my shiny silver platinum card and will be on my 28th cruise in Sept. I am okay with the way things are... but am curious as to what the new changes will be... these should be coming up pretty soon, i would think... as to what i have read... I would like to be able to hit Diamond on my 30th... but won't quite have enough days for that...

I do think there should be another level between platinum and diamond. I have 160 days after my 28th.. and some that have 30 days are on the same level.. don't want their perks to get diminished though..

Edited July 24, 2016 by cruzn buckeye

[Luke Dawg]

They care about you coming back for another cruise and they care about how much money they make on you. What you said does not make sense because they would have to feed you and clean up after you 10 times instead of one time. That would cost them money and they would not appreciate so much profit.

you are right, CCL wants every cruiser to spend as much as possible. Some will break the bank and some won't. CCL will incentivize with perks to get you to spend more. They have to keep the cruiser engage and striving for the next loyalty tier. Who knows they may double your dollar pts or sea days if you select a suite or booking more expensive excursions.

[Micahs Grandad]

Has anyone at Carnival actually talked about changes to the loyalty program recently?

[nealstuber]

It is all about how much you spend. If you spend 10k on one cruise or 10k on 10 cruises, when they close the books it is still 10k.

 

 

I think it's more about how much they make. Before they "close their books", they have to deduct their expenses. I don't see how it's possible for the expenses of a 10k cruise to be as much as 10-1k cruises.

Edited July 24, 2016 by nealstuber

[amykerby]

Was not an option on our last Splendor cruise. We even asked about it. Once a day service, that was it.

 

I also ran into this on Ecstasy in March. Cabin steward stopped me as I was leaving my room and told me I must pick one, either morning OR evening service. I asked if I could have both and was told I must pick one or the other. On Elation two months later I was not asked and automatically had service twice a day.

[Micahs Grandad]

I also ran into this on Ecstasy in March. Cabin steward stopped me as I was leaving my room and told me I must pick one, either morning OR evening service. I asked if I could have both and was told I must pick one or the other. On Elation two months later I was not asked and automatically had service twice a day.

 

It would appear that some stewards have been given the option of telling people what they can have.

[LMaxwell]

It would appear that some stewards have been given the option of telling people what they can have.

 

That is the most diplomatic way it can be put.

[EdmundXXIII]

It would appear that some stewards have been given the option of telling people what they can have.

 

 

Carnival's brand ambassador stated on his public Facebook page that we could select both early and morning. If I get a steward who refuses, it will definitely get a negative mention in my post-cruise survey.

[jimbo5544]

It would appear that some stewards have been given the option of telling people what they can have.

 

 

What it appears is that the one you are referencing happened 4 months ago.

[Micahs Grandad]

What it appears is that the one you are referencing happened 4 months ago.

 

I have seen several other posts on CCL boards within the last week saying it is currently happening.

[figdu]

John reiterated again this morning that it is twice a day.

[elliair]

you are right, CCL wants every cruiser to spend as much as possible. Some will break the bank and some won't. CCL will incentivize with perks to get you to spend more. They have to keep the cruiser engage and striving for the next loyalty tier. Who knows they may double your dollar pts or sea days if you select a suite or booking more expensive excursions.

 

Once you reach that platinum/diamond tier they throw a couple of perks your way (some here call it entitlements), and they don't always have to recognize those perks - like priority debarkation. As more people reach that tier of platinum there's more and more people at embarkation which causes congestion. So, maybe to keep it so uncrowded what if they did away with platinum embarkation and give it only to diamond. It's always more taking than it is giving.

 

/just a thought