"Fast Track" Elite status

[grapau27]

They need more Elite cruises like you. :cool:

Thank you.BTW we love Florida and have been coming to Orlando and WDW since 1992.

 

43 cruises and counting.

[rbt001]

Just a thought: Younger newbies tend to purchase lower level cabins, they might start with a window room. As people sail more they tend to move up in cabin levels wanting more room, comfort, amenities and experience. Therefore overall, the repeat cruiser will probably spend more on a room than a young newbie, which can more than make up the difference they are not spending in casino or photos. I also believe that repeat cruisers are more willing to go with an "Up Sell" than a young newbie.

Just a thought.

 

Good thought, but the room differential between interior to mini suite in no way is enough to offset casino revenue. I think many underestimate exactly how much is made in the casino on a cruise....

[grapau27]

Good thought, but the room differential between interior to mini suite in no way is enough to offset casino revenue. I think many underestimate exactly how much is made in the casino on a cruise....

If the casino makes people happy go for it but for me i don't gamble my wife just buys jewelry.

 

43 cruises and counting.

[Colo Cruiser]

If the casino makes people happy go for it but for me i don't gamble my wife just buys jewelry.

 

43 cruises and counting.

 

 

That's just another form of a casino. :o

[grapau27]

That's just another form of a casino. :o

Lol.

 

43 cruises and counting.

[pascalburns]

the Elite status. some get it sooner, others get it later.

it all amounts to the same thing in the long run,your Elite

[ccruzer123]

Quote: "Good thought, but the room differential between interior to mini suite in no way is enough to offset casino revenue. I think many underestimate exactly how much is made in the casino on a cruise...."

 

 

Depends on the cruise. Elite cruisers, especially if they are retired, will look for longer cruises with itineraries that are probably to places they have never cruised. The cost of these cruises are quote a bit more expensive than a 7 day cruise and the differential between rooms is greater. Example: We are Elites and our next cruise in a Club Class Mini Suite is $7000.+ more than an interior room. In addition, because the ports we will be stopping at are new ones and different, we will be booking some tours with Princess. What we spend on Princess Cruises now is a lot greater that what we spent when we first started. But that is just us, we just spend it differently now.

Regarding the casino, I love slot machines but have stopped going to the casinos on the ships because of poor quality of machines and payout. Would rather spend my gambling money in Las Vegas where they will comp me rooms, food, shows, etc. Just my thoughts on this....

[grapau27]

Quote: "Good thought, but the room differential between interior to mini suite in no way is enough to offset casino revenue. I think many underestimate exactly how much is made in the casino on a cruise...."

 

 

Depends on the cruise. Elite cruisers, especially if they are retired, will look for longer cruises with itineraries that are probably to places they have never cruised. The cost of these cruises are quote a bit more expensive than a 7 day cruise and the differential between rooms is greater. Example: We are Elites and our next cruise in a Club Class Mini Suite is $7000.+ more than an interior room. In addition, because the ports we will be stopping at are new ones and different, we will be booking some tours with Princess. What we spend on Princess Cruises now is a lot greater that what we spent when we first started. But that is just us, we just spend it differently now.

Regarding the casino, I love slot machines but have stopped going to the casinos on the ships because of poor quality of machines and payout. Would rather spend my gambling money in Las Vegas where they will comp me rooms, food, shows, etc. Just my thoughts on this....

Good read thanks

 

43 cruises and counting.

[notentirelynormal]

Bottom Line: If you have to ASK then it means you are NOT on their radar. Princess, just like any large business, spends millions on technology-- and it's not just to make sure your room account is added up correctly. The true value is being able to gather and analyze information about their guests' spending patterns.

 

By your words it sounds like you spent a great deal for rooms when you had a group on board for a cruise--- ONCE. Do you do that with any regularity? Perhaps if you did that a few more times, you'd get their attention.

 

You are aware that Princess does have SOME METHODOLOGY in place to identify and reward those whom they value; that's what this thread is about.

 

I can tell you that it's always embarrassing to watch someone who thinks they're a big spender in the casino venture over to the VIP desk, where they argue and become indignant when they are told no, they cannot have what they are asking for. Years ago in this same land based casino, after just a few initial visits, I was approached at a machine by an executive casino host who introduced them self and asked if there was anything I needed.

 

Again, this is not to diminish the value of you as a loyal customer. Princess does have a published loyalty program where they reward from Ruby through Elite. And Princess also appears to reward other highly valued clients in special ways that are otherwise not published.

 

And isn't it fairly easy to see why Princess does not broadcast these special perks?

 

This thread is part of the answer: passengers who in their OWN MIND feel they are just as deserving, yet Princess has not recognized them. They are sure that Princess has somehow overlooked them. While in reality, Princess has not overlooked them and Princess feels they are adequately compensated.

 

I

 

First, I might have not expressed myself well. I have no real intention of asking for my casino type benefits. I couldn't care less. I and my children have been Elite for many years. Second, yes, I have booked many group cruises that consisted of both family and friends. While I didn't pay the on board expenses for the friends I most certainly have used my credit card to pay the expenses of my children, grandchildren and mother.

 

Apparently I only feel the need to buy new jewelry when on cruise ships. :rolleyes: I dunno why that is so, but it is. I think the bottom line here is you never talk about fight club. I know on one cruise my SIL dropped around $20,000 in the casino. She liked to gamble, wasn't very good at it and she was worth quite a few dollars. Enough that I don't think anyone on CC would turn the money down. I think her ex made $35 million the year they divorced. Anyway, all she got was a Princess plush teddy bear with a Princess name tag on it.

 

I also don't agree that only newbies spend money on board. Just from reading CC is it obvious that some people pinch every penny to go on their "one and only" cruise. You are either going to buy those pictures or you're not. It makes no difference if it is your first or fifth cruise. If you like to drink you are still going to drink. You aren't going to change your drinking habits just because you are on land.

 

 

This subject comes up about every year or so and it is the same thing. It's a secret that someone told me. They spent so much money in the casino that they are going to give them a free cruise and upgraded amenities. Think about that. You spend $5000 in the casino but your cabin costs $2500 and gets comped. Take off the money Big Spender will not spend in the specialty restaurants or pictures etc and the cruise line is actually coming out losing money then making money. Just like a lot of companies I'm sure that they have a special discount price for employee and family. Do you hear them talking about it here or on board. No. Again, number one rule - you don't talk about fight club.

 

Almost every company has their benefits. Restaurants, free or discounted food for them and family. The County Fair. Discount on tickets. Gamblers might get a discount there too. I don't know though because we aren't allowed to talk about it :)

 

Princess thanks me every time I cruise and the welcome me on board. I'm happily working on my grandkids becoming Elite. My 12YO grandson will have 7 cruises under his belt for a total of 56 days this year. I am looking forward to getting my other grandchildren to Elite as well.

 

I think it is in poor taste for those getting something that they know others are not and, if they have half a brain, know it will annoy and offend the person should keep their mouth shut. Talk to anyone on a cruise or on a flight and one of you is walking away from that conversation feeling cheated. Going out of the way to tell someone else is rude and mean.

Edited April 17, 2017 by notentirelynormal

[GlamorousGirl]

Sheesh. Maybe I should ask the next cruise I'm on. I don't spend that much in the casino but I sure spend my fair share on cruises. One cruise I not only paid for 12 people but I also paid their on board expenses including shore excursions. That didn't cover my expensive new necklace and earnings. The only thing I got for it was the bill. I've spent well over $10,000 on board in just one cruise. Wondering now where my reward is for all that spending. Think I'll ask. Heck last cruise I spent well over $500 just in photos.

 

Yup, I'm gonna ask and I suggest everyone else does too. Not fair because people spend money in the casino they not only get free cruises but escalated status. If I didn't have to pay for 8 cabins I could spend tons in the casino. I've had a friend that lost over $6,000 in one cruise. He didn't get offered a free cruise or more points towards his status.

 

While I agree with you that given your spending they should consider you for this fast track, I absolutely disagree with you that it is "unfair" that people are getting it because of their activity, and, in particular, their casino activity. "Unfair" implies the opportunity is not available to everyone. Anyone is welcome to give the casino the same kind of action these people are to be considered, or to choose not to and continue paying for cabins. That is their prerogative or choice.

 

Since people have said the spending doesn't necessarily need to be in the casino I think it's a great idea to ask since you have spent what you did. And if they fast track you, I hope that when other people complain that you got fast tracked and they had to wait you tell them they have the same option as you did to choose whether they want to be a "whale" that earns upgrades and comps or continue paying for cabins.

[GlamorousGirl]

This subject comes up about every year or so and it is the same thing. It's a secret that someone told me. They spent so much money in the casino that they are going to give them a free cruise and upgraded amenities. Think about that. You spend $5000 in the casino but your cabin costs $2500 and gets comped. Take off the money Big Spender will not spend in the specialty restaurants or pictures etc and the cruise line is actually coming out losing money then making money. Just like a lot of companies I'm sure that they have a special discount price for employee and family. Do you hear them talking about it here or on board. No. Again, number one rule - you don't talk about fight club.

 

I think it is in poor taste for those getting something that they know others are not and, if they have half a brain, know it will annoy and offend the person should keep their mouth shut. Talk to anyone on a cruise or on a flight and one of you is walking away from that conversation feeling cheated. Going out of the way to tell someone else is rude and mean.

 

I have to disagree. If someone is fast-tracked, upgraded, comped, or the like it is not their problem if someone else is envious or jealous and takes offense. If a person has envy, that is their problem, not the person who was sharing their experience. I for one am very glad this information was posted. I don't begrudge anyone who is getting this perk whatsoever, even though I am not "fast-tracked," and am thankful that they shared this experience so that I know what I would need to do to get the same perk, since we all have the prerogative to earn it just as they did. I am happy for those folks and congratulate them, and am certainly not offended or bothered.

 

I run into the same problem because we get land-based casino comped our cruises. My husband and I are each picking up another one this weekend in Atlantic City, after picking one up just last week at a different casino. I am happy to tell other people how they can earn these perks, and whether they choose to or not is up to them, but if they choose not to do what it takes they should not resent other people for getting them. "Comps" are earned, and you need to give the company a reason to pass one on to you. It's not a "free lunch" and everyone isn't entitled. So there is no sense in getting upset at people who are getting them, or calling it "unfair."

[notentirelynormal]

I have to disagree. If someone is fast-tracked, upgraded, comped, or the like it is not their problem if someone else is envious or jealous and takes offense. I don't think anyone is envious, jealous or takes offense. But when you spend $300,000 on a cruise and some guy starts bragging he spent $1000 in the casino and has the safe benefits it is kind of rude, don't you think. Well, we know you don't think so. If a person has envy, that is their problem, not the person who was sharing their experience. I for one am very glad this information was posted. I don't begrudge anyone who is getting this perk whatsoever, even though I am not "fast-tracked," and am thankful that they shared this experience so that I know what I would need to do to get the same perk, since we all have the prerogative to earn it just as they did. I am happy for those folks and congratulate them, and am certainly not offended or bothered. Clearly you are getting the perk. Travel agents started bragging about never being on a cruise but having Elite benefits. I heard that they got smacked on the hand for bragging.

 

I run into the same problem because we get land-based casino comped our cruises. My husband and I are each picking up another one this weekend in Atlantic City, after picking one up just last week at a different casino. I am happy to tell other people how they can earn these perks, and whether they choose to or not is up to them, but if they choose not to do what it takes they should not resent other people for getting them. "Comps" are earned, and you need to give the company a reason to pass one on to you. It's not a "free lunch" and everyone isn't entitled. So there is no sense in getting upset at people who are getting them, or calling it "unfair."

 

Who said I was upset or resent them. Frankly I couldn't care less, as I said. You think you spend money in the casino and get free cruises is fair, I don't agree. We have a disagreement but I hardly say I resent someone I don't even know. There is a difference in explaining and bragging.

 

Again,I don't care you get this benefit. Frankly you might be upset over the perks I get. I choose not to blab.

[grapau27]

Who said I was upset or resent them. Frankly I couldn't care less, as I said. You think you spend money in the casino and get free cruises is fair, I don't agree. We have a disagreement but I hardly say I resent someone I don't even know. There is a difference in explaining and bragging.

 

Again,I don't care you get this benefit. Frankly you might be upset over the perks I get. I choose not to blab.

People are always going to get different perks or better prices than others.If you know what to do but don't do it that is your perogative.

On our next RC cruise i have booked a Junior Suite to get double points to reach the next loyalty level.

We are Princess Elite too.

 

43 cruises and counting.

[jessybell]

We were elevated to Elite after one cruise on Princess. It turned out that all our years of sailing on P&O and Cunard were taken into consideration. This happened to our friends as well. So it is not just high rollers who are fast tracked as we don't really use the casino apart from an odd cent in the slots.

[grapau27]

We were elevated to Elite after one cruise on Princess. It turned out that all our years of sailing on P&O and Cunard were taken into consideration. This happened to our friends as well. So it is not just high rollers who are fast tracked as we don't really use the casino apart from an odd cent in the slots.

We had 3 cruises on Princess but our 93 nights on P&O qualified us for Elite.

 

 

43 cruises and counting.

[rbt001]

First, I might have not expressed myself well. I have no real intention of asking for my casino type benefits. I couldn't care less. I and my children have been Elite for many years. Second, yes, I have booked many group cruises that consisted of both family and friends. While I didn't pay the on board expenses for the friends I most certainly have used my credit card to pay the expenses of my children, grandchildren and mother.

 

Apparently I only feel the need to buy new jewelry when on cruise ships. :rolleyes: I dunno why that is so, but it is. I think the bottom line here is you never talk about fight club. I know on one cruise my SIL dropped around $20,000 in the casino. She liked to gamble, wasn't very good at it and she was worth quite a few dollars. Enough that I don't think anyone on CC would turn the money down. I think her ex made $35 million the year they divorced. Anyway, all she got was a Princess plush teddy bear with a Princess name tag on it.

 

I also don't agree that only newbies spend money on board. Just from reading CC is it obvious that some people pinch every penny to go on their "one and only" cruise. You are either going to buy those pictures or you're not. It makes no difference if it is your first or fifth cruise. If you like to drink you are still going to drink. You aren't going to change your drinking habits just because you are on land.

 

 

This subject comes up about every year or so and it is the same thing. It's a secret that someone told me. They spent so much money in the casino that they are going to give them a free cruise and upgraded amenities. Think about that. You spend $5000 in the casino but your cabin costs $2500 and gets comped. Take off the money Big Spender will not spend in the specialty restaurants or pictures etc and the cruise line is actually coming out losing money then making money. Just like a lot of companies I'm sure that they have a special discount price for employee and family. Do you hear them talking about it here or on board. No. Again, number one rule - you don't talk about fight club.

 

Almost every company has their benefits. Restaurants, free or discounted food for them and family. The County Fair. Discount on tickets. Gamblers might get a discount there too. I don't know though because we aren't allowed to talk about it :)

 

Princess thanks me every time I cruise and the welcome me on board. I'm happily working on my grandkids becoming Elite. My 12YO grandson will have 7 cruises under his belt for a total of 56 days this year. I am looking forward to getting my other grandchildren to Elite as well.

 

I think it is in poor taste for those getting something that they know others are not and, if they have half a brain, know it will annoy and offend the person should keep their mouth shut. Talk to anyone on a cruise or on a flight and one of you is walking away from that conversation feeling cheated. Going out of the way to tell someone else is rude and mean.

 

I don't think I've been to a Captain's Circle Party where the CC Host hasn't mentioned the free laundry benefit that Elites have. I scan the room and I've never seen a Platinum or other non-Elite slam their fist down and feel cheated they are not getting the same.

 

You used the expression "half a brain" so I wouldn't expect you to be upset if I refer to it as a "narrow-minded" approach to become annoyed or offended when hearing someone else is getting more.

 

Several years ago I was talking with a couple who was on the same flight I was going to be on. We were standing in the Flagship Lounge Check-in line and they were ahead of me. As they finished the process, an employee escorted them through a door to what most likely was a private lounge. I was traveling first class as well, but no one escorted me to the same private door. Was I upset? Did I feel cheated? No! More likely than not, the couple had paid full fare for their seats while I was using an upgrade cert. I was enjoying a lounge amenity that came as one of the perks for my level of loyalty.

 

Never talk about the fight club? Listen, when I read posts where people complain that it's just not fair that they don't get the same.... well I've started to hear a whiny child's voice in my head as I read their comments. In response to those posts I have shared and posted about my comp cruises. Let me do it again: I haven't paid for a cruise on Princess since 2014. And since, I've been on 7 cruises for 51 days. I have two more comps this year. Anyone reading this that cruises on Princess CAN get the same.... just gamble enough! This is no secret. Princess reviews the casino play for all passengers near the end of the cruise and delivers appropriate offers to their cabin prior to disembarkation morning.

 

I mean, isn't it a bit childish to sit on an airplane in coach, hearing the clink of glasses, china and flatware, smell the aroma wafting through the curtains separating first class and wonder "why don't I get a meal too?"

 

On the other hand, there are some special things that I don't talk about. I've been really WOW'ed by some things Princess has done for me. I keep them to myself.

 

 

This thread was about a "Fast-Track" to Elite Status program. But calling it a "program" may not be the correct word. More likely it is an "initiative" that Princess has quietly decided to explore as a way to retain what they consider "highly valued passengers." Information about how it works is NOT AVAILABLE to the public because it is NOT INTENDED for everyone. If a fast track is offered, then Princess had made the decision to do so.

[Bopper155]

rbt001 - Terrific post and thoughts.

 

Just read all four pages of comments here in this thread. Been a member of this site a long time, read and learn a lot, but rarely post. I am loyal to Princess as they have treated us very well on all our cruises.

[Colo Cruiser]

FWIW the laundry perk has been beaten into the ground.

Now with a pre printed letter in your cabin about the long extended turnaround time during the cruise it's really limited and not worth the hassle. IMO :(

[notentirelynormal]

We were elevated to Elite after one cruise on Princess. It turned out that all our years of sailing on P&O and Cunard were taken into consideration. This happened to our friends as well. So it is not just high rollers who are fast tracked as we don't really use the casino apart from an odd cent in the slots.

 

You got the credit because you earned them the old fashioned way - you sailed on a cruise ship that is part of the Princess family. Some of my points came from Sitmar.

[SheriffJoe]

I love these kinds of threads where the biggest Princess loyalists finally figure out that they are not indeed the biggest fish (whales) in the Princess sea. I am not a huge gambler and never would complain about big spenders getting great comps and/or free cruises etc.....Cruise lines are here to make profits and NOTHING is more profitable than a casino, no not even you who pays for their entire families cruise, so when customers spend thousands in the casino Princess would be foolish to not do everything in their power to get them back onboard one of their ships as soon as possible and make that cruise as great as possible by awarding them Elite status straight away, its basic Business 101. For those of us who get award levels by cruising, Princess needs us to cruise many times to see profit numbers that are even close to a big gamblers numbers on just 1 or 2 cruises. Its not very hard to comprehend that when you spend more you get more.....just like most everything else in life...

[notentirelynormal]

On the other hand, there are some special things that I don't talk about. I've been really WOW'ed by some things Princess has done for me. I keep them to myself.

 

 

This thread was about a "Fast-Track" to Elite Status program. But calling it a "program" may not be the correct word. More likely it is an "initiative" that Princess has quietly decided to explore as a way to retain what they consider "highly valued passengers." Information about how it works is NOT AVAILABLE to the public because it is NOT INTENDED for everyone. If a fast track is offered, then Princess had made the decision to do so.

 

Thank you. You have stated my position perfectly. That some things are not meant to be talked about. Princess quietly did something for you that is not available or intended for everyone.

 

 

So why continue to talk about it to those that can't or will never be able to have it? How exactly are you informing people that you know can't have it.

[Woobstr112G]

FWIW the laundry perk has been beaten into the ground.

Now with a pre printed letter in your cabin about the long extended turnaround time during the cruise it's really limited and not worth the hassle. IMO :(

 

Even though we've only recently made elite, we've sailed in suited on a majority of our cruises so we have had the free laundry perk for awhile. We honestly do not use it that much mainly because of the increased times it takes to get things back. The one day turnaround on several occasions has turned into 2 or three days. In this regard, we started to use the self service washers and dryers for most of our laundry needs.....

 

Bob

[Colo Cruiser]

Even though we've only recently made elite, we've sailed in suited on a majority of our cruises so we have had the free laundry perk for awhile. We honestly do not use it that much mainly because of the increased times it takes to get things back. The one day turnaround on several occasions has turned into 2 or three days. In this regard, we started to use the self service washers and dryers for most of our laundry needs.....

 

Bob

 

 

[geoherb]

Perhaps Princess is trying out a way to give cruise credits similar to HAL--based on on-board spending. Whether someone else gets to be Elite a different way than I did doesn't matter to me. It's Princess who is deciding how it wants to administer its benefit program.

 

As to whether I'm a valuable customer to Princess or not, I don't think my spending gives the whole picture. But there's no way for Princess to know how many of my friends I have steered toward them.

[Woobstr112G]

Perhaps Princess is trying out a way to give cruise credits similar to HAL--based on on-board spending. Whether someone else gets to be Elite a different way than I did doesn't matter to me. It's Princess who is deciding how it wants to administer its benefit program. As to whether I'm a valuable customer to Princess or not, I don't think my spending gives the whole picture. But there's no way for Princess to know how many of my friends I have steered toward them.

 

If that were the case, I should have made elite several cruises ago. This is based on numerous purchases from Facets/Effy.....:D:D:D

 

Bob