curiouscat Posted August 16, 2011 #1 Share Posted August 16, 2011 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wineforhealth Posted August 16, 2011 #2 Share Posted August 16, 2011 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MichCook Posted August 16, 2011 #3 Share Posted August 16, 2011 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. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
curiouscat Posted August 16, 2011 Author #4 Share Posted August 16, 2011 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul929207 Posted August 16, 2011 #5 Share Posted August 16, 2011 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare karatemom2 Posted August 16, 2011 #6 Share Posted August 16, 2011 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Josy1953 Posted August 16, 2011 #7 Share Posted August 16, 2011 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Astro Flyer Posted August 16, 2011 #8 Share Posted August 16, 2011 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
earljr Posted August 16, 2011 #9 Share Posted August 16, 2011 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toto2Kansas Posted August 16, 2011 #10 Share Posted August 16, 2011 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul929207 Posted August 16, 2011 #11 Share Posted August 16, 2011 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RickEk Posted August 16, 2011 #12 Share Posted August 16, 2011 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ibrasu Posted August 16, 2011 #13 Share Posted August 16, 2011 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare geoherb Posted August 16, 2011 #14 Share Posted August 16, 2011 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
calita Posted August 16, 2011 #15 Share Posted August 16, 2011 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul929207 Posted August 16, 2011 #16 Share Posted August 16, 2011 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
curiouscat Posted August 16, 2011 Author #17 Share Posted August 16, 2011 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
caribill Posted August 16, 2011 #18 Share Posted August 16, 2011 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare karatemom2 Posted August 16, 2011 #19 Share Posted August 16, 2011 No free drinks. One reduced price ($3.99 + 15% tip) drink of the day. But the snacks served are free! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
caribill Posted August 16, 2011 #20 Share Posted August 16, 2011 But the snacks served are free! So are all the snacks at the Horizon Court buffet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare karatemom2 Posted August 16, 2011 #21 Share Posted August 16, 2011 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RickEk Posted August 16, 2011 #22 Share Posted August 16, 2011 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! :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
margord Posted August 17, 2011 #23 Share Posted August 17, 2011 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? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vickie_bernie Posted August 17, 2011 #24 Share Posted August 17, 2011 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vickie_bernie Posted August 17, 2011 #25 Share Posted August 17, 2011 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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