New Sail & Sign cards for the new loyalty program??

[CorvetteLady]

I took the survey last night, went with Sailblazers as my first choice. Had I noticed the whale tail icons on the Fun Fleet card, I would have picked that one. I didn't think I'd remember which tier each ship would represent. That's what happens when you are half asleep. :o

I think they will change the perks for each tier. Now you get the gold card on your second cruise, no real perks other than past guest rates. Since the second tier doesn't happen until you have 25 days then I would think you will get some perks with that. I also think they will add more to the third tier. But that is just my opinion.

If they don't add additional perks at each level then it really isn't a good deal. If all you take are 7 day cruises you will reach milestone with 175 days, so I think to need 224 days to reach the highest tier is probably too high.

I do like the idea of days instead of cruises, I just don't know why they are requiring so many days to reach the tiers that will probably give you usable perks. Since we don't know if they are going to change the perks for the different tiers it is really hard to know if it's a good plan.

We will be platinum on our next cruise (in 3 weeks :D) with 60 days at sea, so we'd be eight days short of the third tier if they change it. The perk I am looking forward to is the priority tendering because we will have two tender ports.

There is no way they can change the program and please everyone, so I guess they will have to go with one that displeases the smallest number of people.

[happy cruzin]

[quote name='dave76310']Thinking about it, for those who have had 10 3 day cruises versus those who have had 10 7-10 day cruises, all of the passengers have had the exact number of experiences embarking and disembarking the ship. Many people on 3 day cruises drink a lot more and those on longer cruises gamble a lot more and likely go on more excursions...nothing scientific here, just making some assumptions that I know might be wrong. Carnival knows to the last dead cent how much we have all spent on all our cruises. Since the mighty dollar is all that matters, why not base the program on that? How about one point for every thousand dollars spent...or something more "scientific" based on actual patterns. Then they would be rewarding those they are really trying to get back as customers...those who spend plenty of money, and not waste time with people like me who tends to get a bill with very little more than the forced tips. That is what they do with the casino. It amazes me the "books" I sometimes see that are actually the final bills in the hall. Those are the people Carnival should be trying to impress with their program. Yes, this would leave me out in the cold, unless I get grandfathered in.

[COLOR=red][B]As for the program, they really need to have a survey concerning what the participants really want.[/B][/COLOR] What the hell are "canapes" anyway? We throw them away. I bet they spend a lot of money on personalized paper and envelopes...does this really impress you? Or would you really just rather have a free drink? The desserts are a nice touch...though they usually come after you have eaten. Let us order them when we want them! Priority embark, disembark and tendering; special line at guest services; free laundry? Absolutely the best perks in our view, though we should be able to get off when we want instead of after self assist. I know that would be difficult with the luggage situation though. Anyway, I feel this is looking at the perks through the eyes of the customer. They now just seem to provide whatever they want and wait to see what happens. I think this is counterproductive and does not provide them the results or reputation they want.[/quote]


[SIZE=3]They did that already :rolleyes:. About this time - last year, I (and a bunch of other CC members) got a survey that asked us to rank possible "benefits" in order of importance.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3]I went back to look for those threads - but nothing came up in the search :o.[/SIZE]

[happy cruzin]

[quote name='PaulMedik'][SIZE=4]As long as whatever card they gives me UNLOCKS my cabin door and works it's magic to pay for things I buy and drinks I consume, then I'll be happy! [/SIZE][/quote]

[SIZE=3]Yep! Me too!! ;) :D[/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3]Which - btw - was my exact response the last time there were a gazillion threads about the "new S&S cards" and what they should, or should not, look like! :cool:[/SIZE]

[idiebabe]

[quote name='Kreeb']I think that all three of them are rather juvenile, and much less impressive than the current classifications. Additionally, someone who has 11 - 7 day cruises is in the same category as someone who has cruised 25 - 32 seven day cruises....not exactly equitable.[/QUOTE]

I totally agree...big gap there! Also, they need to factor in the type of room category. Royal gives you double credit if you book a Suite...that's fair. Can't equate $3,000 for a room vs $1200 for a room on the same sailing. HAL, in addition, goes by money spent on S&S, etc.

[breenw]

I think it is more fair to go with the point system. Those who get to platinum with the ten 3 night cruises versus those who get to platinum with ten 7 night cruises yet get the same benefits - how does anyone think that is fair? That cruiser who paid for the 70 nights spent alot more for their status. Let's face it, the farther away you live, the longer cruise you will usually take (3 vs 7 nights because of the additional expense with airline tickets, etc.

If they have such a gap between the 75 credits and the 225 credits this will have a huge impact on those people who are very close to their milestone cruise. Say they took 24 cruises at 7 nights each - that is 168 points. Their next cruise they would get their 25% OBC. Now they would have to cruise the equivalent of 8 more 7 night cruises to get their discount on their milestone cruise. That seems like a huge gap to me.

[1tuckersmom]

[quote name='Chillaxin']Pretty sure it was just sent to those of us that are Platinum and above.[/quote]

[B][SIZE=4]I`m Platinum and I did not get one.:([/SIZE][/B]

[Caliber1]

It will actually be the gold status after 25 days, which used to be second cruise.

[quote name='cruzn buckeye']At this time , when you reach Platinum (10 cruises) you get priority embarkation , debarkation, and priority tendering... my favorite perks... Now if you reach Platinum after three cruises... there is no way these perks will be for Platinum... too many for vip[/quote]

[Aplmac]

[quote name='happy cruzin'][SIZE=3]Which - btw - was my exact response[COLOR=Black] the last time there were a gazillion threads
about the "new S&S cards" [/COLOR]and what they should, or should not, look like! :cool:[/SIZE][/quote][COLOR=Black][B]I keep every one of them[/B] (and them some) for my collection
-and what a range of variation there is, in design.

Seems they change the design big-time [/COLOR] [COLOR=Black][B]every two years or so[/B]
with minor cosmetic changes in between the major changes.
(Only collectors would notice these minor changes, when you have cards side-by-side..)

Here (attached below) are a few variants, over the years...
[COLOR=White].[/COLOR]
[/COLOR]

[browneyedwoman]

There should still be a different designation for first time cruisers. As a relatively new cruiser I liked that people on their first cruise had a different color card than everyone else. It makes it easier for people to help them and give them advice on how things work on a ship. We knew a lot more on what to expect on the second cruise. I found myself being more patient and giving information to people who I saw with blue cards.

[cruzn buckeye]

[quote name='MamaParrotHead']I was told by a reliable source that it's to roll out sometime mid-2012.:cool:[/QUOTE]

does your "reliable source" say the time frame when it becomes effective... for example.. will they total the days as of 12/31/2011? Or will it continue into part of next year?

[happy cruzin]

[quote name='aplmac'][COLOR=black][B]I keep every one of them[/B] (and them some) for my collection[/COLOR]
[COLOR=black]-and what a range of variation there is, in design.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=black]Seems they change the design big-time [/COLOR][COLOR=black][B]every two years or so[/B][/COLOR]
[COLOR=black]with minor cosmetic changes in between the major changes.[/COLOR]
[COLOR=black](Only collectors would notice these minor changes, when you have cards side-by-side..)[/COLOR]

[COLOR=black]Here (attached below) are a few variants, over the years...[/COLOR]
[COLOR=black][COLOR=white].[/COLOR]
[/COLOR][/quote]

[SIZE=3]Yep! Keep mine too ;) Have all of those varieties - expect the first two - since we did not start cruising until 2002 ;) :D[/SIZE]

[Litewait]

[quote name='Chillaxin']Pretty sure it was just sent to those of us that are Platinum and above.[/QUOTE]

There are 3 Paltinum level cruisers in my home and none of us got them.. Two adults and one 17 year old... I'm more than pissed right now.

I don't like the designs, I dont like the categories. It's crap if you ask me! I am 5 cruises from milestone. WIth this new level I will die before I get to the 4th level!:mad:

[luckycruzer]

and what I have booked til Feb '12 I'll have 222 days w/ Carnival..Need to thow in a qwiki b4 the hammer comes down!..Maybe March???

[Aplmac]

[quote name='happy cruzin'][SIZE=3]Yep! Keep mine too ;)
Have all of those varieties - except the first two - since we did not start cruising until 2002 ;) :D[/SIZE][/quote][COLOR=Black]If you have spares, we might exchange??

My email is pcdoctor (at) caribsurf dot com

_________________________

I got those first two via exchanging, with a guy in Michigan
but we've pretty-much exchanged each other to death now.
[/COLOR]

[KruznKel]

[quote name='Litewait']There are 3 Paltinum level cruisers in my home and none of us got them.. Two adults and one 17 year old... I'm more than pissed right now.

I don't like the designs, I dont like the categories. It's crap if you ask me! I am 5 cruises from milestone. WIth this new level I will die before I get to the 4th level!:mad:[/QUOTE]

I am Platinum never received it either.. never received the last one either inquiring about the benefits.. seems I only get emails from Carnival when they want me to book:rolleyes:

Well happy that you are so close to Milestone.. I just became Platinum on my last cruise and if they implement this and do not grandfather those of us that do not meet the requirements I will be more than ticked off:mad:

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

BTW -- I don't recall getting this email from Carnival, though I tend to delete most emails from them without ever opening them. With so many "best sale ever" emails from Carnival and other lines, plus loads of junk from everyone and their brother - I DELETE a lot of my mail sight unseen unless it's from a known friend or contact.

Tom

[martinchem]

I like the idea of a new program but 225 points seems high considering that would be like take 32 cruises at 7 days each and still not being "Milestone" which is currently 25 cruises, it shoud be around 175 points. Also Carnival should grandfather in anyone at achieved levels and anyone within attainable milestone benefits.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

They'll likely bring in everyone at a new comparable level, though my guess is with few tangible new perks until the top tier. They know that those in the top tier will comprise a small fraction of their guests, thus cost them very little to reward. There will be some sailings with nobody qualifying for those perks (we have been on a few where we are the only Milestone guests). Some of these new (top tier) perks [I]may[/I] include:

1 hour internet
1 cover to specialty dining
>> who knows (though I hope it includes full room service breakfast)! :D

Perhaps the new Platinum level will include a discounted internet package or a drink coupon.

What will be will be... though my guess is that we will first learn of the AMAZING changes coming to the Liberty with her upcoming dry dock before any more details on the new program surface. Sure, they will drop a few little hints (via John perhaps) over the next [B]several[/B] months - but I am not holding my breath!

Tom

[djacobson]

I wish they would lower the 4th level down from 225 days to something a bit more attainable, say something like 150 - 175 days. When I leave the Ecstasy on the 26th I will have 125 days for 25 cruises. The ports like New Orleans, which have for the past six years primarily offered 4-5 day cruises with Fantasy class ships would make it difficult for me to get to 225 cruise points. Of course, with the Conquest returning back home to New Orleans that will change some and the Triumph has had some seven day cruises, just not weekly like other ports.

Would they possibly grandfather in Milestone cruisers to whatever perks are with level four?

As far as designs, I think the "Fun Fleet" option looks best. The whale tail is an essential Carnival logo, in my opinion. But making up words like "Funbassador" or "Sailblazers" does not make much sense to me.

I also don't understand the name of the levels for the Fun Fleet option.Three of the names are for ships that are no longer in in the fleet. I can't see myself identifying my status with Carnival as a "Mardi Gras" cruiser.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

[quote name='martinchem']I like the idea of a new program but 225 points seems high considering that would be like take 32 cruises at 7 days each and still not being "Milestone" which is currently 25 cruises, it shoud be around 175 points. Also Carnival should grandfather in anyone at achieved levels and anyone within attainable milestone benefits.[/QUOTE]

They will likely have a conversion process whereby your current cruise count (# of cruises) and days will be factors - and assign you a # of points in the new scheme. I feel that they will be liberal with the conversion, as they saw the uproar when other lines bit the hands that fed them!

Tom

[martinchem]

I'd like to see a combination of what I see at other cruiselines for the highest level:
1-2 hours internet.
1 specialty restaurant (Steakhouse) dinner.
1 mini bar setup.
Open bar for 1-2 hours nightly.
Prefered Embark, disembark and tenders.
Discounts in shops.
A special Platinum and above reception.

[lindan1020]

Here is a thought, think of how many of us have over 75 days cruising versus how many have over 25 cruises. As of now you get 25% off after 25 cruises. If they make that a level three perk then think of how many people will qualify for the 25% off, never happen. But waiting for 224 cruising days does not seem like a deal either. We have over 130 cruising days and still need 4 cruises to make 25. No matter, cruising is still the greatest. As I said just a thought.

[MamaParrotHead]

[quote name='cruzn buckeye']does your "reliable source" say the time frame when it becomes effective... for example.. will they total the days as of 12/31/2011? Or will it continue into part of next year?[/quote]

Nope. I was only told of the point system a few weeks ago and that it will be rolled out mid-2012 due to details still having to be worked out. I got the feeling that nothing was set in stone yet other than days onboard being the factor over number of cruises.

[happy cruzin]

[quote name='Tom-n-Cheryl']They'll likely bring in everyone at a new comparable level, though my guess is with few tangible new perks until the top tier. They know that those in the top tier will comprise a small fraction of their guests, thus cost them very little to reward. There will be some sailings with nobody qualifying for those perks (we have been on a few where we are the only Milestone guests). Some of these new (top tier) perks [I]may[/I] include:

1 hour internet
1 cover to specialty dining
>> who knows (though I hope it includes full room service breakfast)! :D

Perhaps the new Platinum level will include a discounted internet package or a drink coupon.

What will be will be... though my guess is that we will first learn of the AMAZING changes coming to the Liberty with her upcoming dry dock before any more details on the new program surface. Sure, they will drop a few little hints (via John perhaps) over the next [B]several[/B] months - but I am not holding my breath!

Tom[/quote]

[SIZE=3]Those are all (except the room service breakfast ;)) certainly options that were in the survey what benefits we'd prefer. :)[/SIZE]

[happy cruzin]

[quote name='aplmac'][COLOR=black]If you have spares, we might exchange??[/COLOR]

[COLOR=black]My email is pcdoctor (at) caribsurf dot com[/COLOR]

[COLOR=black]_________________________[/COLOR]

[COLOR=black]I got those first two via exchanging, with a guy in Michigan[/COLOR]
[COLOR=black]but we've pretty-much exchanged each other to death now.[/COLOR]
[/quote]

[SIZE=3]Cool idea - but sorry - no spares. Only have mine that I have kept :cool:[/SIZE]