Revamped Tier Levels Coming Soon

[skynight]

12 hours ago, PrincessLuver said:

We find our airline perks to be of tremendous value.  We fly only FC or BC and mostly international.

 

The Princess perks are basically worthless to us except for maybe free laundry on a long cruise.  However, that is debatable because we have had a number of clothes damaged .  For what people pay to ge to Elite on Princess offers very little in return.  Would be much happier if could earn concrete rewards like free cabin upgrades and free cruises.  

 

Also, Princess should not make it so easy to get lifetime status.  They should require people to sail at least 14 days a year to maintain their status or revert back to a lower level like the airline programs do.

 

We agree with the other posters who have noted that there have always been rumors from someone at the top that changes are coming to the Princess program but it has never happened.....still believe that this is all much ado about nothing.....

You can not compare airline status to cruise ship status. The main focus of airline loyalty levels frequent business travelers, those that fly 25, 50, 100M miles per year, paid for by their business.  Airlines want those travelers and that business money to stay with their brand flight after flight, year after year. Cruise ship passengers are longer term customers leisure travelers that pay their own way. Thus loyalty levels should focus on the long term and not depend on taking a vacation every year.

I don't believe you will see concrete awards like you mention. With us cabin upgrades are not very appealing. Promos normally take care of that. Free cruises. I don't see this anytime soon. 

[caribill]

5 hours ago, heddyjan said:

Princess set the bar too low for elite status. I’ve been on a cruise where there were 1400 elite pax.

 

This just shows the loyalty of many, many people to Princess.

 

[ceilidh1]

It will be interesting to see how this all plays out. I have been elite for some time and was thrilled when Princess extended the perks to kids - my 14 and 9 year old have been elite for years but it was was never recognised. When Princess extended it to kids, they got the free Internet minutes which, for them, was invaluable! Then Princess Plus materialised and suddenly those benefits no longer have a lot of value - the mini bar is worthless to us since I have always bought the drink package and soda package and now get them included with Princess Plus, and the unlimited internet is included with Princess Plus. I do like the free laundry if on a longer cruise or if we have done a pre-cruise trip but sometimes it takes so long that even that isn't worth it. Depending on the sailing/itinerary the early boarding/priority disembark/tendering is invaluable - BUT lately, it seems the non-elite lines are shorter....lol! I never really noticed before that they lump so many of the platinum and elite benefits together (just shows I rarely use any of the benefits I guess) so maybe there will be a level between platinum/elite? Or a super elite? Who knows? I have no strong feelings either way to be honest...

 

I'm not complaining about the perks at all - Princess is our preferred line, which is why we have this status with them. However, we don't sail with them BECAUSE of the status - we sail with them because we feel they have the best service and crew.

[maggie777]

1 hour ago, Daniel A said:

Why do you think the January 2022 cruises are going to be cancelled?  Is it just being cynical or do you think the CSO will be extended?

We are booked Jan/2022 Caribbean. Now I too am wondering???

[Musky Ike]

11 hours ago, azbirdmom said:

 

There are loyalty onboard credits starting at the 21st cruise that you get on every cruise.  This isn't publicized on the Princess website but it's definitely a nice perk.

• From your 21st to 31th cruise - $25 onboard cabin credit

• From your 32st to 41th cruise - $50 onboard cabin credit

• From your 42nd to 51th cruise - $75 onboard cabin credit

• From your 52nd cruise on - $100 onboard cabin credit

Sure, cruises 21-27 got cancelled for us, thanks covid. This perk might be gone by the time we sail again. Oh well, we will roll with the punches and see what happens. 

[Ombud]

2 minutes ago, CarelessAndConfused said:

First off, I think the only fair thing to do is as DanielA suggested and make it a revenue based system, which would make most sense.  However, in reading this thread and plenty of others in the past about elite status on Princess, what's mostly ignored is the notion that Princess wanted and may still want the Elite status to be relatively easy to attain.  What better way of getting people to work toward 15 cruises on THEIR cruise ships in an effort to work toward and attainable goal?  This is merely and always been about the best marketing strategy, not doing what's fair or right, whatever that is.

👍

[phabric]

22 hours ago, ceilidh1 said:

This was sent to TAs last week....

 

 

New exclusive benefits for Elite and Platinum members If Dine My Way dining perks weren’t enough, we’re also excited to announce new benefits for clients who are Elite and Platinum members: • 10% off spa treatments and photo offerings • An exclusive 50% discount on MedallionNet® Wi-Fi (With this fast, reliable internet now offered on all our ships, no need to limit your time worrying about minutes anymore!) • 10% off shore excursions for Elite members

I would use the 10% off shore excursions.  Hope they tell us when we can get the discounts so I can book my excursions since I have to use a credit card.

 

I use the laundry service before I go home, clean, pressed clothes to pack.

 

Also, use the 10% discount in the stores.

[2 cruises a year]

20 minutes ago, CarelessAndConfused said:

First off, I think the only fair thing to do is as DanielA suggested and make it a revenue based system, which would make most sense.  However, in reading this thread and plenty of others in the past about elite status on Princess, what's mostly ignored is the notion that Princess wanted and may still want the Elite status to be relatively easy to attain.  What better way of getting people to work toward 15 cruises on THEIR cruise ships in an effort to work toward and attainable goal?  This is merely and always been about the best marketing strategy, not doing what's fair or right, whatever that is.

I don't like this idea as then Princess will tend to become a "class" centric line, steerage or first class.  Those that have will get more, and those that don't will get less.

Loyalty is how often you come back.  But, 3 day booze cruises are too easy, so I like the number of days and not the number cruises.

[Wishing on a star]

NO...  I don't think that it should come down to $$$$$ buys status.  That is a total class/caste system.

I do feel like number of days would be the way to go,  as there are even 2/3 day cruises, and then very long cruises.  Maybe a system of so many points for every 7 days sailed????  

So, for example, 5 one week cruises would be 35 days.  Or ten one week cruises, 70 days.  

 

And, I think they should have to look at the value of Loyalty, in relation to booking with perks.

An Elite should have no reason to pay extra for any Plus package.

 

We are Platinum, and some early boarding, now 50% off WIFI package instead of a smaller discount offer, and some priority with the new dining reservation system.  I think those are what we have now?

Edited June 8, 2021 by Wishing on a star

[Astro Flyer]

8 hours ago, heddyjan said:

I’ve been on a cruise where there were 1400 elite pax.

We’ve been on a cruise with 1,500 elite level passengers…the Sky’s Med & inaugural TA cruise. Six years earlier on the Royal’s inaugural TA there were about 1,200.

 

In this slide from a December 2020 Princess webinar it shows the growth in the number of elite level passengers. In 15 years that number has increased by about 1140%…that’s a good increase for Princess passenger loyalty. Although they’re likely overly optimistic that the number will increase in 2 years by nearly 22,000 between 2019 & 2021.

 

As we approach 500 days I’m thankful for the elite level benefits even with the occasional delays in receiving laundry, tendering & minibar…wonder if they’ll change the minibar. They might be able to reduce workload by providing an equivalent amount of drink credit instead of delivering standard minibars & then swapping them for what passengers desire.

 

Edited June 8, 2021 by Astro Flyer

[CineGraphic]

24 minutes ago, Wishing on a star said:

An Elite should have no reason to pay extra for any Plus package.

 

Are you saying Elites should get free wifi, free drinks and free grats!?

Dream on.

[dreams_of_travel]

44 minutes ago, Wishing on a star said:

NO...  I don't think that it should come down to $$$$$ buys status.  That is a total class/caste system.

I do feel like number of days would be the way to go,  as there are even 2/3 day cruises, and then very long cruises.  Maybe a system of so many points for every 7 days sailed????  

So, for example, 5 one week cruises would be 35 days.  Or ten one week cruises, 70 days.  

 

And, I think they should have to look at the value of Loyalty, in relation to booking with perks.

An Elite should have no reason to pay extra for any Plus package.

 

We are Platinum, and some early boarding, now 50% off WIFI package instead of a smaller discount offer, and some priority with the new dining reservation system.  I think those are what we have now?

I agree with your first sentence.  I will never be able to book a suite or penthouse cabin.  I'm lucky I manage to book veranda/balcony, or try to get one.  

The points system you suggested is what Celebrity uses.  The nice thing is they also offer a way to earn points when not sailing by doing various social media participation, and watching various webinars.  I have earned 40pts during the cruise shutdown.

 

2 hours ago, ceilidh1 said:

It will be interesting to see how this all plays out. I have been elite for some time and was thrilled when Princess extended the perks to kids - my 14 and 9 year old have been elite for years but it was was never recognised. When Princess extended it to kids, they got the free Internet minutes which, for them, was invaluable! Then Princess Plus materialised and suddenly those benefits no longer have a lot of value - the mini bar is worthless to us since I have always bought the drink package and soda package and now get them included with Princess Plus, and the unlimited internet is included with Princess Plus. I do like the free laundry if on a longer cruise or if we have done a pre-cruise trip but sometimes it takes so long that even that isn't worth it. Depending on the sailing/itinerary the early boarding/priority disembark/tendering is invaluable - BUT lately, it seems the non-elite lines are shorter....lol! I never really noticed before that they lump so many of the platinum and elite benefits together (just shows I rarely use any of the benefits I guess) so maybe there will be a level between platinum/elite? Or a super elite? Who knows? I have no strong feelings either way to be honest...

 

I'm not complaining about the perks at all - Princess is our preferred line, which is why we have this status with them. However, we don't sail with them BECAUSE of the status - we sail with them because we feel they have the best service and crew.

As an Elite, I have the option (as does everyone else) to book a regular cruise as opposed to Princess Plus.  I don't need a drink package, or free wifi, so that saves me some money.  I know a lot of lines have gone to all included in the cruise price.  I like being able to decide if the pricing with everything included or just the cruise price is what I want for a particular sailing.  I worked to Elite for the wifi, and priority boarding etc, not the laundry, though someday I may use it.  My adult daughter is excited that she will finally get her free wifi on her next cruise.  Everyone has different perk goals.  🤷‍♀️

I agree that we stayed with Princess b/c of service and crew. Each cruise line has their own flavor, different pros and cons.  Princess just feels comfortable to my family.  Many people say the same about their chosen loyalty cruise line as well.  I am glad my Travel Agent/Cruise Specialist advised me early on to try Princess first.  YMMV

[Thrak]

4 hours ago, Daniel A said:

Why do you think the January 2022 cruises are going to be cancelled?  Is it just being cynical or do you think the CSO will be extended?

 

Because it's a B2B2B - Australia, New Zealand, and Tasmania.

[Daniel A]

7 minutes ago, Thrak said:

 

Because it's a B2B2B - Australia, New Zealand, and Tasmania.

WHEW!!  🥴  I hope you will get to do it nonetheless...

[srpilo]

 Just a observation

According to the above Princess slide between 2011 & 2019 the increase was apox 2 and half times increase in Elites or about 87,000 new Elites, but during the same time period, with the advent of the Royal class ships, and their dramatic increase to the fleet  capacity over that time span Princess added nearly 22,400 berth, and that surely has something to do with exploding Elite numbers.

 

 I feel almost certain Princess see's the rising Elite number's as a good thing because that signifies increasing passenger capacity, and the continuing strong loyalty among that new capacity

 

 

 

.

 

Edited June 8, 2021 by srpilo

[Astro Flyer]

1 hour ago, Wishing on a star said:

some priority with the new dining reservation system.

The loyalty benefit to make dining reservations before final payment is for Elite & Platinum level passengers.
 

This slide shows also shows that Suite & Club Class passengers get that benefit however they don’t need a reservation for Club Class dining but can use it for other types of reservations.

[cruisingrob21]

Eh, if they were serious about managing the overabundance of elites, they just need to make it like starbucks, and you need to have some moving threshold that requires continued patronage and/or "expiring credits".  Elites get the special recognition they/we "deserve?", and Princess drives more revenue.

 

Perhaps something like number of cruises must be equal to or greater than passenger age to meet elite level....can you imagine?!!  My kids would be elite over me! 😄

Edited June 8, 2021 by cruisingrob21
clarification

[love2relax]

We have high either the highest or next to highest status on Princess, Royal, NCL, and Carnival. We very rarely use them. As many have said, the check in lines on embarkation day and at Guest services are usually longer for the higher status folks, so we get in the regular lines. I do enjoy the BOGO for the slot tournaments on Carnival (although it used to be free) and the shore excursion discounts on NCL for those few excursions that we actually book through the cruiseline. Pretty much the only perk that we use consistently is the ability to get on or off the ship in the first group. Otherwise, we could care less about what they offer. 

I don't use hardly any of Princess perks either. I could care less about tea or wine tasting. We trade our mini bar for coffee cards and enjoy priority embark and debark. Otherwise, we do our own laundry if we have a land trip planned post cruise. 

I like the idea of using the days, but giving double days for suites and solo cabins. 

As many have said, we don't cruise for the perks. 

[triple7tahoe]

"millions" of years ago we became members of P&O POSH Club and Princess Cruise masters club. P&O decided to change to PORTONUS club but the same folks kept getting the MTP clock. They had levels that you fell out of if you didn't maintain cruises. Princes went to their present level(s) and I constantly hear about needing another level. It does make me wonder what would happen if, as suggested, the levels were to be based on $$$? . I even wonder if those that had 2000+ days but were all in inside cabins would fall back to the peon level?.  Certainly makes for interesting discussion 🙂

 

[Ombud]

My favorite perk is priority tender but now everyone can book tender slots on the app so thats even better!!

[justafem]

We cruise princess because it's practically local and hubs doesn't fly well.

 

San Fran was supposed to open to other cruise lines just before CoViD hit and we were honestly looking forward to trying other lines.  Still wondering when that'll happen, since the whole world is upside down right now.

 

Next cruise will take me to elite.  Hopefully we'll be going.  If perks change, we'll roll with the changes, as all cruisers will.  This last year and a half have taught us more important lessons.  

 

It's been proven that first time cruisers spend the most money.  I know we sure did.  Every port day filled with princess based excursions.  As we've cruised more, we stopped taking princess excursions, went more private, if even getting off the ship.  

 

I've heard it said that cruise lines don't make money off the fare, it's the extras.  

 

For now, I'm happy with princess.  If other lines open locally, we'll try them.  

 

Heck I'm just thrilled to be on a ship!  Well, the last cruise from hell was a bit more than we could handle (grand princess Feb. Hawaiian cruise) and we're not sure IF we can ever comfortably cruise again.  

 

We'll find that out in Jan 2022.  

[Daniel A]

1 hour ago, love2relax said:

I like the idea of using the days, but giving double days for suites and solo cabins. 

I'd like to understand your reasoning for the double days.  A solo in an inside pays less than the per person charge for most Deluxe Balcony and Minisuite bookings and marginally more than some standard balcony cabins.  Why would that system be fair to the people who want to book a stateroom with a balcony but they only get credit for one cruise where the solo in the inside gets credit for 2 cruises?  Keeping in mind that we are speaking about per person fares, so we are comparing apples to apples.

 

It would seem to me that the amount spent for a cruise should be credited equally across all categories.  If it's 7days, then it's 7 days.  If you're going to give double days to some passengers because they spent more for the cruise then make it equitable for the poor PAX who had to take their spouse/partner along on the cruise too.  😇 

[memoak]

3 hours ago, Wishing on a star said:

NO...  I don't think that it should come down to $$$$$ buys status.  That is a total class/caste system.

I do feel like number of days would be the way to go,  as there are even 2/3 day cruises, and then very long cruises.  Maybe a system of so many points for every 7 days sailed????  

So, for example, 5 one week cruises would be 35 days.  Or ten one week cruises, 70 days.  

 

And, I think they should have to look at the value of Loyalty, in relation to booking with perks.

An Elite should have no reason to pay extra for any Plus package.

 

We are Platinum, and some early boarding, now 50% off WIFI package instead of a smaller discount offer, and some priority with the new dining reservation system.  I think those are what we have now?

As an elite I always get the Princess Plus to get the drink package and gratuities paid for.  If I had to buy drinks individually I would have a ridiculous bill after a 15 day cruise

[cruzsnooze]

4 hours ago, Wishing on a star said:

NO...  I don't think that it should come down to $$$$$ buys status.  That is a total class/caste system.

 

So when my credit card gives me 2% back is that a class system? If I spend more I get more back. If I book a suite I get better  perks and special privileges' like the elite/suite happy hour, another class system. We live in a capitalistic country where money does buy higher end goods and services.  

[JF - retired RRT]

3 hours ago, dreams_of_travel said:

Princess just feels comfortable to my family. I am glad my Travel Agent/Cruise Specialist advised me early on to try Princess first.  YMMV

TA didn't advise us, it just worked out that way. First cruise was on Princess and we never looked back. Never had a bad cruise experience (altho' DH froze when we went to Alaska and refused to go outside when we were cruising the glacier).