under-age platinum benefits denied

[msk1]

We are Elite and traveling with our 4 year old Platinum granddaughter. We are scheduled out for a 25 day cruise and would like her to be able to communicate with her parents while we are gone. Her earned Platinum status provides her with a significant internet allowance--but Princess, as a matter of "policy" will not allow her to utilize this benefit. We have contacted Princess numerous times on this matter in the past. The response is always "no one ever requests this benefit." Has anyone else asked about this situation? We would appreciate any input to support our request.

 

msk1

[fishywood]

https://book.princess.com/captaincircle/contactUs.page

 

Straight from the Circle Center:

 

CIRCLE MEMBERSHIP ELIGIBILITY

 

Question: Who is eligible to join the Princess Cruises Captain’s Circle?

Answer: All passengers 18 years and older automatically become part of the Princess Cruises Captain’s Circle upon completion of their first Princess cruise.

Question: Are children eligible to receive the Princess Cruises Captain’s Circle benefits?

Answer: Children under 18 years old are not eligible for membership into the Princess Cruises Captain’s Circle. Children will accrue a cruise history and will be properly recognized beginning with their 1st cruise after turning 18. Children under 18 are not eligible to receive the Circle benefits.

Sorry but there is no such animal as "under age Platinum benefits". Until she turns 18 your granddaughter gets the first-timer's blue cruise card--something that certainly should have been noticed by now if she has reached 5 cruises and/or 50 days before her first day of kindergarten.

[msk1]

https://book.princess.com/captaincircle/contactUs.page

 

Straight from the Circle Center:

 

 

Sorry but there is no such animal as "under age Platinum benefits". Until she turns 18 your granddaughter gets the first-timer's blue cruise card--something that certainly should have been noticed by now if she has reached 5 cruises and/or 50 days before her first day of kindergarten.

 

Clearly it has been "noticed"...hence the question. Princess' reply suggested that if interest is there it might be re-considered. Positive suggestions would be appreciated.

 

msk1

[fishywood]

Positive suggestions would be appreciated.

 

Don't hold your breath. Threads on the order of "even though I know the answer is no, I feel that I am entitled to something so I will keep 'contact[ing] Princess numerous times' until I get my way" tend to get a frosty reception here on the Princess board. And is this really the lesson you wish to show your granddaughter: just keep complaining until they oil your squeaky wheel :confused:

[triple7tahoe]

We have a granddaughter who has enough cruises/days to be elite. She is 14. She does not receive any of the benefits either. She will be ready when she reaches the 18th birthday !

[Astro Flyer]

We are Elite and traveling with our 4 year old Platinum granddaughter. We are scheduled out for a 25 day cruise and would like her to be able to communicate with her parents while we are gone. Her earned Platinum status provides her with a significant internet allowance--but Princess, as a matter of "policy" will not allow her to utilize this benefit. We have contacted Princess numerous times on this matter in the past. The response is always "no one ever requests this benefit." Has anyone else asked about this situation? We would appreciate any input to support our request.

 

msk1

 

Clearly it has been "noticed"...hence the question. Princess' reply suggested that if interest is there it might be re-considered. Positive suggestions would be appreciated.

 

msk1

I'm confused because you "noticed" the Princess rules that 'fishywood' posted but you say that she has "earned" Platinum status & that they "will not allow her to utilize this benefit". You "noticed" the rules that clearly states that passengers under 18 are not eligible for any Captain's Circle benefits so how has she earned anything to be denied benefits?

 

You appear to want them to change their rules which is understandable & appropriate to me. I'm doubtful that no one requests the internet benefit for minors which is the primary benefit of being Platinum. However such requests may not happen often after reading the rules & there may not be many Platinum & above minors.

 

Another factor could be minors exceeding their free minutes limit & having to deal with an upset adult passenger sailing with them who doesn't want to pay the extra charges. Although it might be possible to limit usage to the free minutes only to avoid that situation.

 

Maybe you & others in the same situation could get them to change their policy to allow the free internet benefit for passengers under 18...I wish you good luck. Sometimes Princess responds positively to logical passenger input when a policy could be better & maybe they'll change this policy for free internet minutes. :)

Edited March 15, 2017 by Astro Flyer

[ceilidh1]

Clearly it has been "noticed"...hence the question. Princess' reply suggested that if interest is there it might be re-considered. Positive suggestions would be appreciated.

 

msk1

 

It seems the exception to this is for Princess insurance coverage. My two kids always get offered the "Platinum Upgrade" for insurance, even though technically they shouldn't be getting any benefits of having reached this status. Interestingly, when I book them they always shows as elite but they have always been given the blue cards and no benefits other than the free upgrade for insurance.

 

 

On a side note, I'm pretty impressed that a 4 year old would be computer savvy enough to need those internet benefits! My 10 year old emails her friends while onboard but I have more than enough minutes that she can just use mine!

[Colo Cruiser]

IMO........

 

Will not be reconsidered.

Its 18 years or older, that's it.

 

If they did........

They would "owe" us many perks including thousands of minutes for our son's who were Platinum/Elite long before they turned 18.

[msk1]

It seems the exception to this is for Princess insurance coverage. My two kids always get offered the "Platinum Upgrade" for insurance, even though technically they shouldn't be getting any benefits of having reached this status. Interestingly, when I book them they always shows as elite but they have always been given the blue cards and no benefits other than the free upgrade for insurance.

 

 

On a side note, I'm pretty impressed that a 4 year old would be computer savvy enough to need those internet benefits! My 10 year old emails her friends while onboard but I have more than enough minutes that she can just use mine!

 

Facetime with an adult is a terrific way to keep in touch while traveling.

 

msk1

[antsp]

We sailed on the Emerald last May, the day we boarded happened to be our DD 18th birthday, she received all her benefits but a blue card, she went to the pursers desk to have it changed to black, they informed her it didnt matter it was blue she still got her internet etc. a face was pulled and a black card was produced.

[ceilidh1]

Facetime with an adult is a terrific way to keep in touch while traveling.

 

msk1

 

Ha Ha - see, I'm showing my age (and I'm not even THAT old!) My immediate thought was "Wow, a 4 year old who can email and surf the net?" Didn't even think of all those other fancy ways to communicate. Hey, I haven't even progressed to an iphone yet! ;p

[msk1]

I'm confused because you "noticed" the Princess rules that 'fishywood' posted but you say that she has "earned" Platinum status & that they "will not allow her to utilize this benefit". You "noticed" the rules that clearly states that passengers under 18 are not eligible for any Captain's Circle benefits so how has she earned anything to be denied benefits?

 

You appear to want them to change their rules which is understandable & appropriate to me. I'm doubtful that no one requests the internet benefit for minors which is the primary benefit of being Platinum. However such requests may not happen often after reading the rules & there may not be many Platinum & above minors.

 

Another factor could be minors exceeding their free minutes limit & having to deal with an upset adult passenger sailing with them who doesn't want to pay the extra charges. Although it might be possible to limit usage to the free minutes only to avoid that situation.

 

Maybe you & others in the same situation could get them to change their policy to allow the free internet benefit for passengers under 18...I wish you good luck. Sometimes Princess responds positively to logical passenger input when a policy could be better & maybe they'll change this policy for free internet minutes. :)

 

Precisely the reason for this thread! Thank you Astro Flyer for your usual, reasoned response!

 

msk1

[Astro Flyer]

Precisely the reason for this thread! Thank you Astro Flyer for your usual, reasoned response!

 

msk1

 

Thanks...I attempt to be objective & to understand all sides of a discussion because rarely is there only one valid answer. ;)

[#cruiseaddict]

I had never thought of this issue before so found this thread really interesting. Im impressed how many under 18's would be up to platinum/elite! Seems to me there a perfect opportunity for Princess to create a Customer WOW in developing an under 18's rewards system that would provide age appropriate incentives etc. It could convert when they turn 18 - what a brilliant way to build brand loyalty from the very beginning ! Now wondering what loyalty programs other cruise companies have for under 18's !

 

 

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[Times Prince]

We are Elite and traveling with our 4 year old Platinum granddaughter. We are scheduled out for a 25 day cruise and would like her to be able to communicate with her parents while we are gone. Her earned Platinum status provides her with a significant internet allowance--but Princess, as a matter of "policy" will not allow her to utilize this benefit. We have contacted Princess numerous times on this matter in the past. The response is always "no one ever requests this benefit." Has anyone else asked about this situation? We would appreciate any input to support our request.

 

msk1

The key to one possible solution is in your first sentence: "We are Elite..." That implies there are two of you in the cabin with free internet minutes that can be shared with your granddaughter. This would allow you to have her share emails, possibly some photos. At 4 years old you would be composing or reading any communications anyhow, which can be done offline, linking online just to send/receive the communication.

 

We have noted that even on a 17 day cruise, we rarely use up one of our Elite internet benefits' set minutes, so that is why the suggestion that you share.

 

If you are considering some high bandwidth streaming application, you are probably also aware that these can consume minutes quickly with possible delays due to bandwidth, if supported at all by the onboard servers. You might consider an international phone so when you are in port you can have her at least say "Hi Mommy/Daddy" and hear a voice response. Just a thought.

 

You might receive some more practical suggestions when you share exactly what kind of communications your are expecting a 4 year old to be having with her parents. There may be someone with experience in how to do this economically.

 

Way back in the 1990's when we queried "why the restriction for under 18" we were told there was some sort of legal issue dealing with a minor that restricted Princess from granting benefits and Captain's Circle status to minors. I think it had something to do with needing a parent/guardian to administer the benefit, adding needless complication. (I could be remembering incorrectly).

[jeanandjim]

Clearly it has been "noticed"...hence the question. Princess' reply suggested that if interest is there it might be re-considered. Positive suggestions would be appreciated.

 

msk1

if you are looking for positive responses, why in the world would you post on this forum. :D:D:D

[SadieN]

.....

 

 

 

Way back in the 1990's when we queried "why the restriction for under 18" we were told there was some sort of legal issue dealing with a minor that restricted Princess from granting benefits and Captain's Circle status to minors. I think it had something to do with needing a parent/guardian to administer the benefit, adding needless complication. (I could be remembering incorrectly).

 

 

 

That doesn't make sense. (Believe you heard that but what was said doesn't make sense.) Kids have loyalty on HAL and Carnival and have received their benefits and the proper card. No internet minutes or bar set up. as benefits. Only difference was the Carnival casino benefit, kids got arcade tokens/credits.

 

Only thing I can think of is cabin assignment. Elite parents and child traveling with Ruby grandparents. Elite child booked into grandparents cabin, now both cabins are Elite for Bar and laundry.

[Womble99]

Only thing I can think of is cabin assignment. Elite parents and child traveling with Ruby grandparents. Elite child booked into grandparents cabin, now both cabins are Elite for Bar and laundry.

 

I didn't think having one Elite passenger in a cabin entitled the entire cabin to free laundry, I thought only the Elite member was entitled to free laundry? Though I think this is one benefit that should be granted to children once they reach elite.

[SadieN]

I didn't think having one Elite passenger in a cabin entitled the entire cabin to free laundry, I thought only the Elite member was entitled to free laundry? Though I think this is one benefit that should be granted to children once they reach elite.

 

 

Always thought it would include everyone in the cabin. As a lowly platinum I am probably wrong.

[fishywood]

Always thought it would include everyone in the cabin. As a lowly platinum I am probably wrong.

 

I recall reports a few years ago of when (for example) only the female half of the couple was Elite that any male clothing put in the laundry bag was charged for. Haven't seen this lately; seems as long as the Elite is the primary name on the booking and the laundry chit is written in their name, whatever is sent is Kosher.

[Host CJSKIDS]

My kids never got their benefits until they turned 18 and we asked more than once. Princess clearly states this so it's a hard point to argue.

The under-age platinum benefits haven't been actually denied because there are no under age benefits.

 

It's a great thing that you are treating your 4 year old granddaughter to a 25 day cruise. Not sure I could have done without seeing my 4 year old for that long!

[Colo Cruiser]

But at least Princess allows their cruises to count until they reach 18.

[ar1950]

But at least Princess allows their cruises to count until they reach 18.

 

Which would seem like the point a a loyalty program. A kid under 18 would not be booking their own cruises. When they are old enough, having the loyalty benefits would seem like a pretty nice inducement to book with Princess.

[msk1]

The key to one possible solution is in your first sentence: "We are Elite..." That implies there are two of you in the cabin with free internet minutes that can be shared with your granddaughter. This would allow you to have her share emails, possibly some photos. At 4 years old you would be composing or reading any communications anyhow, which can be done offline, linking online just to send/receive the communication.

 

We have noted that even on a 17 day cruise, we rarely use up one of our Elite internet benefits' set minutes, so that is why the suggestion that you share.

 

If you are considering some high bandwidth streaming application, you are probably also aware that these can consume minutes quickly with possible delays due to bandwidth, if supported at all by the onboard servers. You might consider an international phone so when you are in port you can have her at least say "Hi Mommy/Daddy" and hear a voice response. Just a thought.

 

You might receive some more practical suggestions when you share exactly what kind of communications your are expecting a 4 year old to be having with her parents. There may be someone with experience in how to do this economically.

 

Way back in the 1990's when we queried "why the restriction for under 18" we were told there was some sort of legal issue dealing with a minor that restricted Princess from granting benefits and Captain's Circle status to minors. I think it had something to do with needing a parent/guardian to administer the benefit, adding needless complication. (I could be remembering incorrectly).

 

 

Using Facebook Messenger allows us to have a viewed one-on-one conversation with those at home. This is even better than the international phone call mentioned above. Clearly this burns minutes quickly. Hence the request for the minor's internet minutes to be made available as well.

 

Several posters have noted the readily available Princess "policy" of which we are well aware. It is only through numerous requests are policies often re-evaluated, e.g., smoking, etc. Yes, often the "squeaky" wheel does merit attention and often change. I do believe there are a significant number who may have interest in this concern.

 

msk1

[Colo Cruiser]

Using Facebook Messenger allows us to have a viewed one-on-one conversation with those at home. This is even better than the international phone call mentioned above. Clearly this burns minutes quickly. Hence the request for the minor's internet minutes to be made available as well.

 

Several posters have noted the readily available Princess "policy" of which we are well aware. It is only through numerous requests are policies often re-evaluated, e.g., smoking, etc. Yes, often the "squeaky" wheel does merit attention and often change. I do believe there are a significant number who may have interest in this concern.

 

msk1

 

And like I said if push comes to shove Princess re-evaluates and decides void all cruises taken before 18.

IMO it's fine the way it is.