VIFP PLATINUM AND DIAMOND SUITE GUESTS UPDATE AND ONLINE CHECK-IN INVITATION

[destiny217]

VIFP PLATINUM AND DIAMOND SUITE GUESTS UPDATE AND ONLINE CHECK-IN INVITATION

Dear Valued Platinum and Diamond Suite Guests, This communication is being sent to our booked Platinum and Diamond Suite guests.  It is independent from any request our guests might have pending for an exemption to vaccine requirements, and the receipt of this communication is not any indication of the status of your request. We want to thank you for the loyalty and support you have shown Carnival, and also make you aware of the new way to redeem your VIFP amenities. These changes were designed in accordance with our new Have Fun. Be Safe. protocols to minimize the number of stateroom deliveries, while making it easier for you to collect some of your benefits.  Moving forward, certain VIFP amenities will be linked to your Sail & Sign folio for electronic redemption, like how we currently handle complimentary laundry.  Simply claim your benefit, using your Sail & Sign card, and a one-time credit for that item will be posted on your folio and be visible on your statement. Complimentary Beverages Brunch Beverage – redeemable in the dining room. 1.5L Bottled Water – redeemable from any bar, restaurant or your stateroom. Chocolate Delight (5 + Day Cruises) A tasty treat will be ready for you to enjoy; just call room service to schedule delivery. Carnival Logo Gift & Ship Pin Please visit our Photo Gallery to claim your Carnival logo gift and your Carnival ship pin.  We encourage you to claim your gifts no later than two days prior to the end of your cruise. We also want you to know that given our focus on meeting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) requirements and implementation of new health and safety protocols, we will need to adjust how we deliver some of the VIFP priority benefits, as follows: ONLINE CHECK-IN – All guests will be required to complete Online Check-In, which will open 14 days prior to sailing.  Platinum and Diamond Suite guests will be given 48 hours advance access to select their preferred Arrival Appointment. Please visit My Cruise Manager on Carnival.com starting at 16 days prior to sailing to complete your Online Check-In and select the Arrival Appointment that works best for your plans.  Due to additional embarkation day processes, all guests will have to arrive promptly at their Arrival Appointment.  STATEROOM ACCESS – Staterooms will be ready when you board.  WATER SHUTTLE PRIORITY – Priority water shuttle debark will be provided subject to local guidance at the destinations we visit, which may change without prior notice.  Our team on board will keep you informed of the debarkation plans for each port. CASINO – Although we are currently unable to host casino tournaments on board, you will be given US$25 in Casino FunPlay®, in addition to any other FunPlay® you might be entitled to as part of your booking. DEBARK – You will have the benefit of priority debark.

[cyclist_guy1]

8 minutes ago, destiny217 said:

VIFP PLATINUM AND DIAMOND SUITE GUESTS UPDATE AND ONLINE CHECK-IN INVITATION

when is your cruise?

 

i ask just to get an idea when this letter may come before my cruise.

[destiny217]

Two weeks and received the email on 11/20.  Can't wait.  🛳️

[firefly333]

So the update is no changes? Did I miss something? Same as it's being done?

 

Maybe too many complained about stuff not being in the cabins as before so they are sending out a email for those who dont read cc. I ran into someone livid with their cabin steward for not knowing where they could get their loyalty rewards. 

[destiny217]

2 minutes ago, firefly333 said:

So the update is no changes? Did I miss something? Same as it's being done?

 

Maybe too many complained about stuff not being in the cabins as before so they are sending out a email for those who dont read cc. I ran into someone livid with their cabin steward for not knowing where they could get their loyalty rewards. 

Sailed the Pride in September and no one knew anything.  Wasted time trying to track down what was going on.  So email is appreciated.

[CeleBrat]

I sent an email to the Carnival Care team last week, expressing my disappointment at the lack of info re: VIFP onboard benefits.  Clearly, mine is not the first they've received, as they are now sending this email.  Unfortunately, they have yet to respond to my email.  Not cool...

[staceyglow]

2 minutes ago, CeleBrat said:

I sent an email to the Carnival Care team last week, expressing my disappointment at the lack of info re: VIFP onboard benefits.  Clearly, mine is not the first they've received, as they are now sending this email.  Unfortunately, they have yet to respond to my email.  Not cool...

Apparently they did...they just copied a bunch of people on it. 🙂

[crzndeb]

1 hour ago, destiny217 said:

STATEROOM ACCESS – Staterooms will be ready when you board. 

Was this originally just drop off carryon’s and leave? This sounds like they will be ready for occupancy. But then again, I guess some of us boarding soon, will find out.

[illinoisfive]

actually is this new?....".staterooms will be ready when you board."

I thought people said that they were being told that unless you were a Suite Guest, your stateroom would be ready at 1:30 (unless you just want to drop off your luggage)

 

 

[Elaine5715]

21 minutes ago, crzndeb said:

Was this originally just drop off carryon’s and leave? This sounds like they will be ready for occupancy. But then again, I guess some of us boarding soon, will find out.

 

2 minutes ago, illinoisfive said:

actually is this new?....".staterooms will be ready when you board."

I thought people said that they were being told that unless you were a Suite Guest, your stateroom would be ready at 1:30 (unless you just want to drop off your luggage)

 

 

Yes, it has been "drop and go" but not in writing.  Signs on closed doors did not mention Platinum/Diamond/Suite guests so people questioned the ability to go through the doors.

[mbglib]

1 hour ago, Elaine5715 said:

 

Yes, it has been "drop and go" but not in writing.  Signs on closed doors did not mention Platinum/Diamond/Suite guests so people questioned the ability to go through the doors.

This is what my November 20 email for my November 28 cruise said:

STATEROOM ACCESS – Due to enhanced cleaning and sanitation, staterooms may not be ready at the time of boarding for the early Arrival Appointments.   If you have not checked your bags, feel free to quickly drop off your luggage while our crew puts the finishing touches on your stateroom.  This will allow you to complete your e-mustering process and start your vacation promptly.

 

I was surprised to read on the op's that the stateroom would be ready.

Edited November 24, 2021 by mbglib

[CeleBrat]

5 hours ago, staceyglow said:

Apparently they did...they just copied a bunch of people on it. 🙂

That’s funny!

[Guest BasicSailor]

If your state room is ready or not will be the luck of the draw. The larger ships reaching closer to full compacity now will be less of a chance.

[TomCruise48]

This letter is poorly worded.  It could be interpreted multiple ways, none of which appear to be entirely correct:

1. Applies to only Platinum and Diamond guests who have booked a suite, but not other guests who have booked a suite and have not achieved Platinum level.

2.  Applies to all Platinum guests, but only Diamond guests who have booked a suite, which of course makes little sense but is the most literal interpretation of "Platinum and Diamond Suite Guests."

3.  Applies to Platinum guests, Diamond guests, and other guests who have booked a suite, but have not reached Platinum level.  This is more likely, but I don't believe that a guest who is not Platinum or Diamond will receive all of the Platinum and Diamond amenities by simply booking a suite, although they will receive some.

 

Carnival made this confusing by covering multiple topics in one letter and not making it clear what applies to suite guests only versus what applies to Platinum and Diamond regardless of the type of stateroom booked.

[Guest BasicSailor]

51 minutes ago, TomCruise48 said:

This letter is poorly worded.  It could be interpreted multiple ways, none of which appear to be entirely correct:

1. Applies to only Platinum and Diamond guests who have booked a suite, but not other guests who have booked a suite and have not achieved Platinum level.

2.  Applies to all Platinum guests, but only Diamond guests who have booked a suite, which of course makes little sense but is the most literal interpretation of "Platinum and Diamond Suite Guests."

3.  Applies to Platinum guests, Diamond guests, and other guests who have booked a suite, but have not reached Platinum level.  This is more likely, but I don't believe that a guest who is not Platinum or Diamond will receive all of the Platinum and Diamond amenities by simply booking a suite, although they will receive some.

 

Carnival made this confusing by covering multiple topics in one letter and not making it clear what applies to suite guests only versus what applies to Platinum and Diamond regardless of the type of stateroom booked.

I noticed that as well, thanks for bring it for further debate 👍

[DeckTime]

This is the email I received on 11/18 for Dec 4th cruise

View Online http://image.carnivalcruiselineemail.com/lib/fe9513727761047c7c/m/16/60bffcb2-0550-4c34-9717-ae4801c365f8.jpg VIFP PLATINUM AND DIAMOND GUESTS UPDATE AND ONLINE CHECK-IN INVITATION      Dear Valued Platinum and Diamond Guests, This communication is being sent to our booked Platinum and Diamond guests.  It is independent from any request our guests might have pending for an exemption to vaccine requirements, and the receipt of this communication is not any indication of the status of your request. We want to thank you for the loyalty and support you have shown Carnival, and also make you aware of the new way to redeem your VIFP amenities. These changes were designed in accordance with our new Have Fun. Be Safe. protocols to minimize the number of stateroom deliveries, while making it easier for you to collect some of your benefits. Moving forward, certain VIFP amenities will be linked to your Sail & Sign folio for electronic redemption, like how we currently handle complimentary laundry.  Simply claim your benefit, using your Sail & Sign card, and a one-time credit for that item will be posted on your folio and be visible on your statement. Complimentary Beverages Brunch Beverage – redeemable in the dining room. 1.5L Bottled Water – redeemable from any bar, restaurant or your stateroom.  Chocolate Delight (5+ Day Cruises) A tasty treat will be ready for you to enjoy; just call room service to schedule delivery. Carnival Logo Gift & Ship Pin Please visit our Photo Gallery to claim your Carnival logo gift and your Carnival ship pin.  We encourage you to claim your gifts no later than two days prior to the end of your cruise. We also want you to know that given our focus on meeting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) requirements and implementation of new health and safety protocols, we will need to adjust how we deliver some of the VIFP priority benefits, as follows: ONLINE CHECK-IN – All guests will be required to complete Online Check-In, which will open 14 days prior to sailing.  Platinum and Diamond guests will be given 48 hours advance access to select their preferred Arrival Appointment. Please visit My Cruise Manager on Carnival.com starting at 16 days prior to sailing to complete your Online Check-In and select the Arrival Appointment that works best for your plans.  Due to additional embarkation day processes, all guests will have to arrive promptly at their Arrival Appointment.  Regrettably, we cannot accommodate any early arrivals and guests will be turned away and asked to return at their assigned time.    STATEROOM ACCESS – Due to enhanced cleaning and sanitation, staterooms may not be ready at the time of boarding for the early Arrival Appointments.   If you have not checked your bags, feel free to quickly drop off your luggage while our crew puts the finishing touches on your stateroom.  This will allow you to complete your e-mustering process and start your vacation promptly.   WATER SHUTTLE PRIORITY – Priority water shuttle debark will be provided subject to local guidance at the destinations we visit, which may change without prior notice.  Our team on board will keep you informed of the debarkation plans for each port.   CASINO – Although we are currently unable to host casino tournaments on board, you will be given US$25 in Casino FunPlay®, in addition to any other FunPlay® you might be entitled to as part of your booking.   DEBARK – We will do our best to offer priority debarkation, however, this may not be possible if we have unusually high numbers of Platinum and Diamond guest on board. We thank you for your understanding and patience as we work through our restart plans.  Your continued support means a lot to us and our great staff and crew can’t wait to welcome you back on board! Sincerely,   http://image.carnivalcruiselineemail.com/lib/fe9513727761047c7c/m/16/bd3f70f3-0423-4959-8e06-f79b51e6b9d9.jpg Christine Duffy President, Carnival Cruise Line   http://image.carnivalcruiselineemail.com/lib/fe9513727761047c7c/m/16/8f151793-2154-433e-91fb-766729f720e1.jpg   http://image.carnivalcruiselineemail.com/lib/fe9513727761047c7c/m/16/5ec19a3a-e023-49b4-8bba-3c25c00e97a3.jpg     http://image.carnivalcruiselineemail.com/lib/fe9513727761047c7c/m/16/eb3528b1-1004-436d-b4c2-c652d7f3c4cb.jpg http://image.carnivalcruiselineemail.com/lib/fe9513727761047c7c/m/16/b9080fa5-6a9f-4e78-864e-3ac2e3570359.jpg   Contact Us  •  About Us  •  Privacy Notice  •  Unsubscribe

[Guest BasicSailor]

17 minutes ago, DeckTime said:

This is the email I received on 11/18 for Dec 4th cruise

I may have missed it mention from the Op's post and yours. What ships are being in question here?

[DeckTime]

33 minutes ago, BasicSailor said:

I may have missed it mention from the Op's post and yours. What ships are being in question here?

I will be on the Vista Dec 4

Edited November 25, 2021 by DeckTime
Spelling

[destiny217]

One letter was to VIFP PLATINUM AND DIAMOND SUITE GUESTS (we are sailing the Pride).

 

The 2nd letter was to Platinum and Diamond Guests.

[icft]

I'm glad they are putting out these emails. On our September cruise there was nothing said and nothing in the room. Since I didn't take a print-out of Diamond benefits we didn't remember some of them and therefore didn't ask guest services how to get things like chocolate delights or brunch beverages. (Having almost always taken Premier cruises in the past we were not sure what was a Premier benefit and what was a Diamond benefit - didn't care, just took what we got - but nothing?) We only got what we remembered and only after specifically asking guest services how to get them. Big deal? No. Very cheap and petty of Carnival? Yes.

 

That experience is the reason I looked for and found this forum. It is the only way to find out things - Carnival darn sure didn't let us know about changes. Perhaps enough folks called them on it that they are changing their ways.

[emm126]

I was on the Mardi Gras in August and pretty sure there was a letter in our room when we got onboard. I had to re read it to remember where to get the chocolate covered strawberries. (my niece loves them) I will be on the Horizon again in a couple of weeks so we shall see.

[TheSeagoer]

6 hours ago, BasicSailor said:

I noticed that as well, thanks for bring it for further debate 👍

Just off the panorama.  All staterooms were available at 1pm

[cellfree]

Cruising Sunday November 28 on Pride out of Tampa, are Platinum, never got email. 

[dbrucern]

This is not an update, we have cruised twice since opening and this has been the same for collecting loyalty benefits. It is on the Carnival website and John Heald has mentioned several times.  Our room has been ready on both cruises when we embarked (10:30 boarding actually on ship by 11:15) but we are Diamond our cruising friends are Platinum and their rooms had not been cleaned yet so they left all their carry-ons in our room

[jsglow]

No doubt the rollout of the Plat/Dia benefit procedures was poorly handled.  Several weeks back, John Heald put out a post that indicated that folks should scan the appropriate QR code in their stateroom and that further explanation would be provided there.  I recall doing that on our last cruise and I think I recall seeing the information listed in the email notification above.  We certainly knew to walk around the ship to collect our benefits, but I'll bet most of that info came from right here on CruiseCritic. That said, these changes to historic procedure, while probably warranted in a post-Covid restart, have been challenging and poorly communicated to long time passengers who clearly remembered how things worked previously.