Suite benefits versus FTTF

I will try to make this long story short. I had booked a balcony room on the Elation. Also purchased Faster to the Fun. Then the upsell fairy called and offered a grand suite and we went for it. At the port upon check in, they led us to the FTTF area. I saw a sign for Platinum, Diamond, and Suite guests. So I go ask the nice lady if that's where we needed to be. It was. So we boarded before FTTF. Then we get to our suite and there is a list of benefits. Also we had an excursion at one port, and a villa at HMC. We did not need FTTF. I went to guest services and argued my point. The girl said she would send a note requesting FTTF to be removed from our bill. I think the girl that called with the upgrade should have handled this. This was only our second cruise with Carnival and I did not realize the benefits of having a suite. BTW, we had a wonderful cruise. The suite has spoiled us for life. Anyway, I was just wondering what you all thought. FTTF has not been omitted from our bill as far as I can tell. Should I press the point on just be happy to have had this experience?

I feel it was YOUR job to cancel the FTTF.

Since these are in limited supply, you actually denied someone else the opportunity.

Requesting them to cancel your FTTF after boarding also would have denied Carnival the opportunity to resell.

Not knowing or feeling you didn't need it is not an excuse to blame someone else.

The benefit you used with fttf that you didn't realize was the option to access your suite prior to 1:30, normally suite guests do not have ready as soon as aboard like fttf has. Was in a suite and had to wait to enter last December, with fttf and a balcony in April we got to go to our room and get rid of carry on,also fttf get their baggage delivered faster to their room over suite guests. There may be other benefits as well but those are the two that jumped out at me.

There are actually benefits with FTTF that you do not get with a suite. I have highlighted the ones below that are suite benefits. Those without a highlight, are not a suite benefit.

Your choice. I agree that you should have done your homework ...

Priority Security, Check-in and Express Boarding

Bypass lines and have exclusive security screening lanes and express boarding lane. This is only available on embarkation day. If you arrive after general boarding has begun, you may bypass the general boarding line and board via the Faster to the Fun lane.

Note: Only VIFP Diamond and Platinum guests as well as guests traveling in deluxe suite accommodations will have access to the Priority Check-In Lounge and proceed on board before FTTF guests.

First Access to Stateroom

Your stateroom will be ready for you as soon as you board so you can relax or freshen up for all the fun you are about to have.

Note: This is also a benefit for VIFP Diamond and Platinum guests.

Priority Luggage

While we process thousands of bags, FTTF luggage will receive priority delivery.

Note: This is also a benefit for VIFP Diamond and Platinum guests.

Guest Services

Quickly have any of your questions answered or requests addressed as you will have a dedicated phone and line at Guest Services.

Note: This is also a benefit for VIFP Diamond and Platinum guests.

Dining Reservations

Priority Dinner Time Assignment: FTTF guests will be cleared after VIFP Platinum guests. This benefit does not include specific time reservations for 'Your Time Dining'.

Note: VIFP Diamond guests and guests traveling in deluxe suite accommodations are guaranteed their dining in the Main Dining Room.

Tender Priority

You will have priority tender service from ship to shore (multiple departure times may be possible) so you can explore ashore as quickly as you want to. When ready to go ashore, if not on a Carnival shore excursion, present yourself at the Guest Services Desk.

Note: This is also a benefit for VIFP Diamond and Platinum guests and guests traveling in deluxe suite accommodations.

Debarkation Choices

We are always sad to see you go. But when your cruise is over, you may choose an early or late disembarkation time upon arrival to your homeport.

Note: This is also a benefit for VIFP Diamond and Platinum guests and guests traveling in deluxe suite accommodations.

I agree that you used the benefits of FTTF, therefore, should not be entitled to a refund.

As others have stated you accessed your cabin upon boarding and that is not included as a suite perk. And I'm also guessing you used the Platinum/Diamond/FTTF line to "argue your point" as you say. Suites also do not get to use this line.

Forget about it.

I wouldn't pursue the matter and consider it a lesson learned for future reference. Relax. Enjoy your suite and your cruise.

I feel for you and I also hate when I spend money that I did not need to spend, but I do not feel this is on Carnival or that they should refund the FTTF. Since the perks do differ just a bit, some people do purchase FTTF even with a suite, so I do not expect the up seller to remove it for you. Now it would have been nice if they noticed and suggested, but we do not even know what their interface looks like when calling for an up sell.

I purchased the Suite on the Paradise and loved it, but when boarding a guy waiting for regular boarding actually started yelling, why do they get to board first, we were here before him. I said book a suite. Well he took that as me looking down upon him with my top hat and monocle on in a condescending way, but I was really just trying to impart information.

FTTF is really only giving Carnival Free Money in return they give you items that have no cost to them.

FTTF is really only giving Carnival Free Money in return they give you items that have no cost to them.

You could make that argument about software.... it's not accurate.

FTTF is really only giving Carnival Free Money in return they give you items that have no cost to them.

your time may have no value but to the people who put the program in place, to the people who have to see to it that FTTF people are in the right check in line, to the cabin stewards who have to ensure the cabin is ready on time,,,, I think their time has value.

Thank you all for the replies. I am in no way upset about being charged and using FTTF. And had I known all the options, I would never have denied another from getting those perks in my place. You are right, I did use the express line to "complain". But guess what? There was no one there to help me. There was no one in the regular line, so she asked me to let her help me. I am a long way from being upset about any of this. I was just asking your opinion. I loved the suite. I loved everything on the ship. I'm sorry if anyone thought this situation hindered my good time or anyone else!! I promise I will go stand in the corner and think about my mistake.

I will try to make this long story short. I had booked a balcony room on the Elation. Also purchased Faster to the Fun. Then the upsell fairy called and offered a grand suite and we went for it. At the port upon check in, they led us to the FTTF area. I saw a sign for Platinum, Diamond, and Suite guests. So I go ask the nice lady if that's where we needed to be. It was. So we boarded before FTTF. Then we get to our suite and there is a list of benefits. Also we had an excursion at one port, and a villa at HMC. We did not need FTTF. I went to guest services and argued my point. The girl said she would send a note requesting FTTF to be removed from our bill. I think the girl that called with the upgrade should have handled this. This was only our second cruise with Carnival and I did not realize the benefits of having a suite. BTW, we had a wonderful cruise. The suite has spoiled us for life. Anyway, I was just wondering what you all thought. FTTF has not been omitted from our bill as far as I can tell. Should I press the point on just be happy to have had this experience?

Cancel FTTF.

There are new suite benefits which have come out and not well advertised. One is priority baggage. The reason I know this one is our baggage tags for our suite for our upcoming cruise show FTTF on it and we do not have FTTF. Other items I have heard is free bottle of water and a free bag of laundry.

Rumour has it that there should be an official announcement coming.

There are actually benefits with FTTF that you do not get with a suite. I have highlighted the ones below that are suite benefits. Those without a highlight, are not a suite benefit.

 

Your choice. I agree that you should have done your homework ...

 

Priority Security, Check-in and Express Boarding

Bypass lines and have exclusive security screening lanes and express boarding lane. This is only available on embarkation day. If you arrive after general boarding has begun, you may bypass the general boarding line and board via the Faster to the Fun lane.

Note: Only VIFP Diamond and Platinum guests as well as guests traveling in deluxe suite accommodations will have access to the Priority Check-In Lounge and proceed on board before FTTF guests.

 

First Access to Stateroom

Your stateroom will be ready for you as soon as you board so you can relax or freshen up for all the fun you are about to have.

Note: This is also a benefit for VIFP Diamond and Platinum guests.

 

Priority Luggage

While we process thousands of bags, FTTF luggage will receive priority delivery.

Note: This is also a benefit for VIFP Diamond and Platinum guests.

 

Guest Services

Quickly have any of your questions answered or requests addressed as you will have a dedicated phone and line at Guest Services.

Note: This is also a benefit for VIFP Diamond and Platinum guests.

 

Dining Reservations

Priority Dinner Time Assignment: FTTF guests will be cleared after VIFP Platinum guests. This benefit does not include specific time reservations for 'Your Time Dining'.

Note: VIFP Diamond guests and guests traveling in deluxe suite accommodations are guaranteed their dining in the Main Dining Room.

 

Tender Priority

You will have priority tender service from ship to shore (multiple departure times may be possible) so you can explore ashore as quickly as you want to. When ready to go ashore, if not on a Carnival shore excursion, present yourself at the Guest Services Desk.

Note: This is also a benefit for VIFP Diamond and Platinum guests and guests traveling in deluxe suite accommodations.

 

Debarkation Choices

We are always sad to see you go. But when your cruise is over, you may choose an early or late disembarkation time upon arrival to your homeport.

Note: This is also a benefit for VIFP Diamond and Platinum guests and guests traveling in deluxe suite accommodations.

Yes, Carnival left two bottles of water with a note saying they come with the suite. They also left a letter telling us that we would get one free bag of laundry. Our luggage tag said FTTF and Priority.

I'm a little surprised that they even offered to refund you FTTF...

Unfortunately, other than priority boarding and the bathtub there are very very few suite perks that make using a suite on Carnival "better." Having cruised in suites on other lines and experienced the real "suite" life our last cruise and our upcoming one are in regular balcony rooms struggling to justify the several hundred dollar increase for priority boarding and a tub.

FTTF, just like other excursions, especially after the fact, aren't really refundable, although you'd think if they upsold you on a GS they'd have automatically done that. Really though, the suite is not any different other than in size from a regular balcony and the suite perks are a joke. It's really an insult to anyone who would spend the money to get a suite on CCL, which is silly because other CCL-owned lines know how to do a suite the 'right' way.

I will try to make this long story short. I had booked a balcony room on the Elation. Also purchased Faster to the Fun. Then the upsell fairy called and offered a grand suite and we went for it. At the port upon check in, they led us to the FTTF area. I saw a sign for Platinum, Diamond, and Suite guests. So I go ask the nice lady if that's where we needed to be. It was. So we boarded before FTTF. Then we get to our suite and there is a list of benefits. Also we had an excursion at one port, and a villa at HMC. We did not need FTTF. I went to guest services and argued my point. The girl said she would send a note requesting FTTF to be removed from our bill. I think the girl that called with the upgrade should have handled this. This was only our second cruise with Carnival and I did not realize the benefits of having a suite. BTW, we had a wonderful cruise. The suite has spoiled us for life. Anyway, I was just wondering what you all thought. FTTF has not been omitted from our bill as far as I can tell. Should I press the point on just be happy to have had this experience?

I want to piggy-back off this question. It's too late now, and I didn't complain.. But I was disappointed and a bit confused if maybe we didn't know the fine print details? But what I'd like to know is what all of your opinions are about our experience for the future? We took a 3 day Ensenada Christmas cruise 2018. Ocean view room. We purchased FTTF and set off.. Embarkation was well organized and definitely followed priority (yea!). That's where it ended. We waited for our luggage until after 4pm (my suitcase came at 1:30-ish but somehow my hubby's was separated). We use those big plastic ziplock chained tags so I know it wasn't that they couldn't read it. Even then I decided to go searching and found it by dumb luck at the elevator at 4-ish.. I asked if I could take it and the man organizing was happy to let me.. Technically they didn't deliver it (I get that I went to go fishing, so I didn't give them time to deliver, but I don't know what time it would have been if I'd waited?) What time is considered priority delivery? The priority desk was NEVER manned. We stood at it waiting (We were desperate to change our dinner reservation because our table was filled with horribly negative people who kept calling the cruise a scam and how there's no "white people"), and while they did notice us and took us in line order, there was no priority for sure as she moved us away from it to help us. After that I kept a pretty strong eye on the desk (just in case it was a fluke) and it truly was never manned. On our last night we received a notice to go to the show lounge for priority disembarking at 8am. We happened to get up and ready by 6:30am and found out they did the meeting at 5am and were cleared for leaving by Customs by 5:30am.. I just felt like it was a cluster f, and it felt wrong to me.. I didn't want to "complain".. I wanted someone to know so they could take action if it was needed.. Am I missing something? 

We always keep FTTF when we get suites, including our next sailing. I like the priority line at guest services and mainly to get to my cabin before 1:30. 

1 hour ago, foreverh said:

On our last night we received a notice to go to the show lounge for priority disembarking at 8am. We happened to get up and ready by 6:30am and found out they did the meeting at 5am and were cleared for leaving by Customs by 5:30am.. I just felt like it was a cluster f, and it felt wrong to me.. I didn't want to "complain".. I wanted someone to know so they could take action if it was needed.. Am I missing something? 

We had FTTF on our last cruise and received a letter the night before that if we want to carry our bags off of the ship, we could meet in the theater at 6:30 for priority.  However, if we did not want to carry our bags off of the ship, we could use the included luggage zone tags (zone 2) and could meet in the theater at 7:45 a.m.  If you were not carrying your luggage off yourself, that could be why there was an 8:00 meeting time.

51 minutes ago, teknoge3k said:

We always keep FTTF when we get suites, including our next sailing. I like the priority line at guest services and mainly to get to my cabin before 1:30. 

This is what we have always done, too.

1 minute ago, TNcruising02 said:

We had FTTF on our last cruise and received a letter the night before that if we want to carry our bags off of the ship, we could meet in the theater at 6:30 for priority.  However, if we did not want to carry our bags off of the ship, we could use the included luggage zone tags (zone 2) and could meet in the theater at 7:45 a.m.  If you were not carrying your luggage off yourself, that could be why there was an 8:00 meeting time.

Correct. 8am was probably when traditional disembark started. So 8am was very much a priority.  Regular disembark usually goes until after 10AM.

I can say that I got off Magic last weekend, no Fttf, but went as early as I could for express/carry own bags and there had to be nearly a thousand people in front of me! Porters were barely starting to drop bags in the pickup area at this point. 

Basically you get priority express (those 1,000 in front of me) or priority regular once the bags are all placed and ready for pickup later. 

I wish I had kept our letter or a picture of our info, but there was no difference in the time.. There was no 6:30am (or before 8am for anything).. There was 1 time and 1 time only and nothing about carry-out luggage.. I get what you are saying.. But not on this ship for this sailing.. It was one time for all priority guests... I'm just wondering what people thought about our experience as a whole? We're going on a 7 day on the New Panorama for this Christmas in an ocean suite.. And I agree I'd get it just for the early room and luggage (cause I'm deeply impatient internally for my luggage to be put away and feel free 😂😂) but I'm now questioning the value after the experience ☹️☹️

I don’t believe FTTF gets you the very early disembarkation- that is for plats and diamonds. It varies by port but is often 6 a.m or 6:30 a.m. meeting in dining room or library and an escort off as soon as ship clears.   On our last cruise meeting time was 6:30 but shipped had cleared early and we were escorted off a few minutes after 6 (we got to the meeting place early). I would believe they offered the escort to all who got here by 6:30. (Diamonds, plats that is).

So your 8 am departure time was the earliest of the regular slots, still a ‘perk”. 

At at least Carnival has not put a price on every dia/plat benefit!  

Debarkation Choices

We are always sad to see you go. But when your cruise is over, you may choose an early or late disembarkation time upon arrival to your homeport.

Note: This is also a benefit for VIFPDiamond and Platinum guests and gueststraveling in deluxe suite accommodations.

Yes they do offer it.. It's part of FTTF.. I get that Plats and Diamonds have priority over everyone.. But the perk is still there

2 hours ago, TrinaLC said:

I don’t believe FTTF gets you the very early disembarkation- that is for plats and diamonds. It varies by port but is often 6 a.m or 6:30 a.m. meeting in dining room or library and an escort off as soon as ship clears.   On our last cruise meeting time was 6:30 but shipped had cleared early and we were escorted off a few minutes after 6 (we got to the meeting place early). I would believe they offered the escort to all who got here by 6:30. (Diamonds, plats that is).

 

So your 8 am departure time was the earliest of the regular slots, still a ‘perk”. 

 

At at least Carnival has not put a price on every dia/plat benefit!  

When I walked down prior to calling decks, I was told "early flights, platinum/diamond, and FTTF only" - So naturally I remembered my early flight.  Priority disembarkation is available to anyone who says they have an early flight as far as I'm aware.  FTTF definitely has early self-assist like Platinum - my cruise with FTTF I also went down early and had no issue as we were FTTF.

Maybe it's being done differently now, but all of my disembarkation experiences with FTTF (not self-assist) have involved us getting a letter delivered to our suite towards the end of the cruise (left on the bed at turn-down on the last night maybe?  I can't remember when for certain) telling us the location of the designated VIP lounge and the time which we should be there.  That lounge has always been the same for Platinum, Diamond, and FTTF guests.  We are all in there together, with no differentiation made.  Then, when all self-assist guests have disembarked, a crew member comes into the lounge and asks everyone to follow him/her.  He/she then escorts us, all together, to the disembark point, cutting through the line and crowds of non-priority guests to get us there.  Platinums and Diamonds and FTTF all mixed together, no group seperated out to go before any other.  But, my last cruise was Fall of 2017.  So this may not be how it is done any longer.