Platinum vs Elite

[curiouscat]

Is there a big difference between Platinum and Elite.... and what is the biggest benefit ?

 

The biggest perk I see is the Bar setup for Elite...anything else?

 

CC

[wineforhealth]

Is there a big difference between Platinum and Elite.... and what is the biggest benefit ?

 

The biggest perk I see is the Bar setup for Elite...anything else?

 

CC

 

Free laundry sure helps on the cruises longer than 7 days

[MichCook]

https://book.princess.com/captaincircle/jsp/memberShipBenefitsForProspect.jsp#Elite

 

 

We're looking forward to reaching Elite for the laundry service, the mini-bar set up, the canapes, complimentary wine tasting...we we have a way to go yet. :)

[curiouscat]

I know the "perks"...but for me I think the only big bennie would be the bar set up and maybe the free wine tasting. Depending on which wine tasting it is...if it's the general one with pedestrian wines then I won't go...I've been to a million and one wine tastings..just interested in the higher end tastings..

 

So are there any "unwritten" perks...bridge tours...special invites..?

 

CC

[paul929207]

mini bar setup

laundry

Princee Grapevine (wine tasting)

Priority for tenders

canapes on formal nights

afternoon tea in cabin

 

Naturally, each person has a different take on the value of these items. Most obvious would be the priority tendering. If your cruise has no tender ports it is worthless. If there are several, it could be a nice benefit.

[karatemom2]

In addition to the free laundry we are really looking forward to the priority tendering. It will be nice to plan for port days in tender ports without stressing about lining up for tickets and potential wait times.

[Josy1953]

Don't bank on getting priority tendering. We just got off the Crown Princess with 3 tender ports and had to argu with the tender staff at each one because none of them were aware of the Elite priority tendering and every time we were told that we needed to return to the Michealangelo dining room to collect tendering tickets. However at Holyhead there is a compulsory shuttle to the dock gates and we had priority shuttle boarding for which we had to go to Vines from where Rosie the CC person escorted the Elites to the gangway to ensure that we had priority to go on the next available shuttle.

[Astro Flyer]

Don't bank on getting priority tendering. We just got off the Crown Princess with 3 tender ports and had to argu with the tender staff at each one because none of them were aware of the Elite priority tendering and every time we were told that we needed to return to the Michealangelo dining room to collect tendering tickets.

 

Did you report the problem after the 1st time? It appears to be a lack of communication with the tendering staff. I've found by reporting a problem while onboard it generally takes care of such problems. We had problems being allowed into the MDR during the embarkation lunch. We filled out the form to report it & the Maitre d' who had only been onboard for 3 weeks called to apologize. He wasn't aware of the problem & said the guy at the MDR was new & it wouldn't be a problem in the future.

[earljr]

Don't bank on getting priority tendering. We just got off the Crown Princess with 3 tender ports and had to argu with the tender staff at each one because none of them were aware of the Elite priority tendering and every time we were told that we needed to return to the Michealangelo dining room to collect tendering tickets. However at Holyhead there is a compulsory shuttle to the dock gates and we had priority shuttle boarding for which we had to go to Vines from where Rosie the CC person escorted the Elites to the gangway to ensure that we had priority to go on the next available shuttle.

 

I hope you also make mention of this on your comment card.

[Toto2Kansas]

All you would have had to do is to stop by the Captain's Circle host/hostess desk to get the priority tendering straightened out. I would guess they must have had some new staff onboard that knew nothing about it, as we have never run into this problem in the last dozen cruises.

[paul929207]

We had the same problem on the Ocean Princess in the Spring. One tender port on each of two cruises. Hassle each time. Second time it was the Purser that was the problem. We put it on comment card and mentioned to the Cap. Circle Host.

[RickEk]

Having traveled with an Elite (just 4 more cruises till I'm there :D ), the best perks are the free laundry, priority tender tickets and the 10% off in the boutiques.

[Ibrasu]

On our last few cruises we have found a welcome back letter in the cabin listing the various perks. Hanging on to this and flashing it at appropriate moments should resolve any problem .... which, presumably, is why it's been there!

 

Ibrasu

[geoherb]

We're working on getting to Elite by the time we retire. The big attraction for us will be the free laundry. I'd love to take longer cruises without having to pack so much, especially if we're having to pay for the number of checked bags on our plane trips to and from the port.

 

The free Internet minutes have been the best perk we've received as Platinum passengers, although we've also enjoyed the evening cocktail hours for Platinum/Elite/Suite guests.

[calita]

We were on a 15 day cruise in March and the free laundry was the best perk of all. But we do love the mini bar and the early tendering.

[paul929207]

On our last few cruises we have found a welcome back letter in the cabin listing the various perks. Hanging on to this and flashing it at appropriate moments should resolve any problem .... which, presumably, is why it's been there!

 

Ibrasu

I had not thought about taking the Elite letter when we go to the tender. Thanks. I will do that.

[curiouscat]

We're working on getting to Elite by the time we retire. The big attraction for us will be the free laundry. I'd love to take longer cruises without having to pack so much, especially if we're having to pay for the number of checked bags on our plane trips to and from the port.

 

The free Internet minutes have been the best perk we've received as Platinum passengers, although we've also enjoyed the evening cocktail hours for Platinum/Elite/Suite guests.

 

Ok... you got my attention about the evening cocktail hours? Is it free drinks like on another competing line I frequent??? please elaborate:p

 

CC

[caribill]

Ok... you got my attention about the evening cocktail hours? Is it free drinks like on another competing line I frequent??? please elaborate:p

 

CC

 

No free drinks. One reduced price ($3.99 + 15% tip) drink of the day.

[karatemom2]

No free drinks. One reduced price ($3.99 + 15% tip) drink of the day.

 

But the snacks served are free!

[caribill]

But the snacks served are free!

 

So are all the snacks at the Horizon Court buffet.

[karatemom2]

So are all the snacks at the Horizon Court buffet.

 

True, but that is not Skywalkers with the pleasant ambience, lovely view and reduced price drinks being served in an environment free of hordes of people knocking you down to grab a dinner roll. So call me crazy, but I prefer the modest, yet tasty snack buffet offered at the cocktail hour.

[RickEk]

So are all the snacks at the Horizon Court buffet.

 

True, but that is not Skywalkers with the pleasant ambience, lovely view and reduced price drinks being served in an environment free of hordes of people knocking you down to grab a dinner roll. So call me crazy, but I prefer the modest, yet tasty snack buffet offered at the cocktail hour.

 

And you're not going to find snacks such as Steak Tartare with all the trimmings at the Horizon Court! :)

[margord]

I will be Elite for the first time on my upcoming cruise. How does the wine tasting work? Do you get an invitataion? If not how do you know when and where it will be held?

[vickie_bernie]

No free drinks. One reduced price ($3.99 + 15% tip) drink of the day.

 

are the drinks $3.99 now, in Jan and Feb on the Emerald they were 2.99 can anyone else confirm the higher price. I remember when they were $4.99 and they lowered it to $2.99 is it going up again?

 

Also the snacks in the lounge change nightly (except crackers/cheese/olives are always ther) but jumbo shrimp, quacamoli, salsa with chips, steak tartar, stilton cheese and a few others. So they are not found in Horizon court.

 

for us we like the bar set up and the free laundry... normally we don't have to take advantage of priority tender, but when we have it has been very handy.

 

I like the idea of carrying the letter.

 

Oh another thing I like is the afternoon tea delivered to your cabin. We normally invite another couple over and we order it for two (as they deliver so much) and the food is lovely.

 

Vickie

[vickie_bernie]

I will be Elite for the first time on my upcoming cruise. How does the wine tasting work? Do you get an invitataion? If not how do you know when and where it will be held?

 

I've seen it done two ways:

 

- one an invitation card is delivered to your cabin (usually with embarkation letter with all the perks) that you present to the staff person at the desk at the wine tasting

- or you are told to just show up and show your cruise card