Georgiagolfer

All are correct on Perks (actually almost no perks), but keep in mind that Suites on CCL generally cost less than Suites on other lines.

Can't say DW and I prefer CCL over RCCL although most of our cruises have been with CCL. We choose a cruise based on when we want to cruise, can we drive or have to fly, length of cruise (based on time we have available),and cost last.

RCCL is usually higher, although our cruise on Freedom of the Seas last year in a Jr. Suite was cheaper than the Dream in an Ocean Suite for the same week.

I say try CCL and then see if you like what they offer. May may/not be what you like.

Congratulations on your good fortune!

 

From everything I have read, it seems like Carnival is using this incentive to get past guests back on board if they haven't cruised in a while.

 

It seems really odd to me that Carnival rewards those that are not their best customers, but isn't rewarding its best customers in the same way.

 

I guess the underlying message sent is that if you want the offer, you have to jump ship and avoid Carnival. :-)

So agree with this.

Back in the "old daze" we all drank free water right out of the tap. Now people will pay more for bottled water than they do gasoline.

Guess what, DW and I still drink water out of the tap and never buy the bottled water.

How do you book this- when you get on the ship?

Yes once on the ship. I would recommend you book at the excursion desk the day you board the ship, as the limited spots fill up fast.

Just booked for Oct had to ask hubby "How much did you play in casino?" I do remember the phone ringing one night it was the casino host asking if my husband wanted him to save him a seat on the poker table.

Sounds like he might have been at a table with me on several cruises.:cool:

Does any one know which ships this system is already in use on?

Great to see that at least someone from cruise critic, actually won this cruise. Kinda like a family member winning.:D

Congratulations. I am jealous (LOL) as DW and I have never received an offer like this.

Right now the poll (unscientific of course) shows 78% are satisfied with the direction CCL has gone. If those numbers are accurate (and they probably are within +/-5%) then CCL is unlikely to make any changes any time soon.

 

I get that people really loved the old CCL and they miss it, but it's time to face reality- CCL has changed, the vast majority of passengers are okay with the changes, and the old CCL is gone for good.

I agree, but also add that to DW and me, RCCL has also changed from our 1st cruise with them. We can't speak for the other lines, as we haven't sailed on them yet. Some of the changes on both lines we like, some we don't. But I guess that's true of most things over time.

I've seen posts on this forum about casino points earning free drinks, OBC and other perks. I never gamble in the casino, but my SO is gold status on Carnival, and a big gambler. He was somehow not aware that there are casino points. When I told him about it, he called Carnival to see what his casino points balance was, the person he spoke with said they had no idea what he was talking about.

 

Am I confused about this? Are the points only collected during the length of your cruise and not cumulative? Thanks for your help!

Most of your questions have been answered.

Points do not carry forward to your next cruise, only good on current cruise.

For slots, you get 1 point for every $2.50 placed at risk, your money or theirs.

For tables, generally you are not rated unless you are betting minimum of $25 per hand, and in Casino 3-4 hours daily.

I have a physical condition that causes me to bring a lot of stuff along in my carry-on, making it a pain to lug around. I'm trying FTTF so that I can dump my stuff off in my cabin as soon as I board. My question is: What's it to you? Why do you care or even give a thought as to what others are willing to do with their hard earned money?

Big Steve, I hear you, but you don't need to explain why you purchased FTTF. The fact is CCL offers FTTF (whether some like it or not) and you and a few others have the opportunity to purchase if you desire. The same way they offer Specialty dining, specialty coffees, photography, casino, drinks, etc. Your money, your vacation, your choice, Period.:D

I just think the Platinum freebies diminish the value of the product. Similar to SHOWTIME and HBO having "free" months now and then to NON-SUBSCRIBERS. A slap in the face to those that PAY for these channels every month.

 

But, it actually doesn't matter much in the grand scheme of things to me as Carnival's product has diminished so much in the last several years. I'll be "loyal" as long as Carnival keeps pumping out these giveaway prices (most with no single supplement), I really only used the early boarding and FREE laundry perks anyhow. The rest is just fluff, IMHO.

I agree, and that is one of the main reasons we have kept booking CCL, LOW PRICES. Not Loyal to CCL as I am my wallet. When I don't enjoy the cruise line anymore, then time to move to a different line.

As far as additional upcharges, why do people book different rooms? I can book an inside and get basically the same things as far as everyone else. You pay an upcharge to book an ocean view, and then more to book a balcony, then even more to book a suite. You pay different prices based on location on the ship.

If I used the OP's logic, just book the lowest fare and lowest room, and get the same cruise. We all determine what is important to us,and spend what we feel comfortable with. My money, my choice, simple to me.

DW and I have only eaten in Specialty Restaurants 2 times, 1 each on CCL and RCCL. We haven't purchased photos in a really long time, and very seldom book ship excursions. We do go to coffee shops on board, as we do this at home.

All of the upcharges as mentioned are a choice, not mandatory, so what's the big deal. CCL is not the only line that has added these venues, as we have seen the same on RCCL. Can't speak for other lines as we have not sailed. Unless I have actually sailed on a line, I can not offer any comments.

I tried to quote a poster, but evidently the site is messed up and won't let me.

Uh, with 21 CCL cruises, and platinum way before the program even started, it most certainly does.

It impacts you no more than the number of new cruisers gaining Platinum status each week as more and more reach this level.

Your right I cruise to cruise not for some perks.. I don't flash my card to show people how speciAl I think I am..

I was referring to your current status with CCL. According to your comments in different threads, you have only sailed on NCL. So until you sail CCL, it is a moot situation.

I wonder if a pseudo plat can bump an earned plat for limited perks, like dining times?

Wonder if they pseudo plats will board first or with the normal plats. Or before FTtf

Who cares?:rolleyes: I don't think it impacts either of you.

Thanks for posting. Just read your review and liked your style and the pictures.

Keep in mind that they will not let people into the port area until after 10:30 am. if the ship is late arriving, then the opening is delayed. If she takes a motel shuttle, she should be OK if arriving after 11 am.

If that money is just sitting around no reason not to buy if you (we) plan to sail 2 or 3 times a year. Much more return on our $ than 1.2% interest in savings account. CCL is paying dividend of .25 4 x year. So not bad. I agree research is important.

Didn't say it wasn't a good investment, just would not buy 100 shares just to get $100 OBC. Besides, all of our cruises will not be on CCL. Too many other lines and ships out there to limit ourselves to just 1 line.

Theres no such thing as "cheating" on cruise lines IMO!

I am taking a B2B with Celebrity this fall and I feel no guilt at all. I needed a change in my vacations. Will I sail Carnival again? Absolutely. Just not now. Im in the need of branching out and trying new things.

 

Enjoy your NCL. It does look like a great ship.

I so agree with this. Never have understood the "cheating" comments if booking a different cruise line.

The triumph incident set off a sequence of events that have caused fares to fall, services further cut, and now the dining room and show lounges are being tampered with, with tests of more cutbacks, and charge for entertainment, all while the 2.0 Name branding and cutback guise continues.

 

Not sure that anyone would be happy.

Someone must be happy with the high bookings just reported. I do agree with the fact that there have been many cut backs, but this is also true of RCI. I can't say what other lines are doing because I have no experience with them.

CCL, IMO is branding themselves as the value leader, looking to people who are the newer cruisers. Nothing wrong with this, but it is our decision whether to book with them, or someone else.

If cost was close, I would still pick CCL over Disney because of the Casino. I like to spend a couple of hours daily there, as it is part of my cruise experience. So for me, No Casino, No Cruise.

Oh my.. Plats and diamonds hate FTTF they will really love them giving perks away for free... Lets home the masses doesn't read this

 

Ill get my popcorn ready..

Actually, the masses here already know about this promotion by CCL. No big deal, and offering to Red VIFP members to entice them to sail.