Upgraded Latitude Levels?

[che5904]

Well I'm just an infant cruiser compared to most on here. I don't cruise for rewards, I cruise because I love it. One more cruise and I'll reach silver, which means I get a discount on photos. I'm content ;)

[Got Tequila?]

I'm a little disappointed that NCL didn't add another level above Platinum.

 

I was really hoping for another level as well, the Platinum parties and LeBistro are going to be quite crowded in the future with so many people moving up. :rolleyes:

[roger001]

Well I'm just an infant cruiser compared to most on here. I don't cruise for rewards, I cruise because I love it. One more cruise and I'll reach silver, which means I get a discount on photos. I'm content ;)

 

 

Your's is the correct answer. It is not as though we are each going to get $10,000 direct deposit into our accounts with these latitudes upgrades. While they are nice, thanks NCL, even at the platinum level they don't affect the value of the cruise $100 total, and much, much less at levels with out the platinum Le Bistro dinner. It's just fun to move up the levels, and fun to talk about, but are certainly not the major motivation for a cruise. A few folks here have been sounding like black Friday shoppers.

[halos]

Seeing how many posts you have, I would assume you travel a lot. Perhaps I am wrong.

 

Airlines, hotels and casinos reward your patronization for your dedication to their product and reward you with perks that many others do not receive. It part of the loyalty game. Like frequent upgrades to first class on flights. Get them often? I guess not.

 

With my interpretation of NCL's new "loyalty program", it is like taking a long slog up a steep mountain and when you get to the top you realize that everyone else took the elevator to the top.

 

I almost forgot: *sigh, burp*

OK the sigh burp made me laugh :D

 

Do the milestone goals make it any better for you??

 

If they kep the program as it was, you would be no better off. The longer you stayed with NCL and the more cruises you racked up, you would still be platinum and every year, more would be platinum along with you.

 

I guess I look at it differently.

 

 

Not trying to whiz in anyone's sand box. If this had happened eight years ago, I'd have been as psyched as everyone else here...

 

 

 

You're not but if you could only see that you are totally whizzing in your own.

[Cubechick]

Although I was elated to find out I reached Platinum one cruise early, it seems a little less special after finding out people with only 10 cruises are platinum too. We have cruised a lot; love NCL but we love Princess too. We have been loyal to NCL but also because we like the way they do things. I am happy for everyone but think about it; what good are special benefits if everyone gets them? I can see it now; free dinner in the Bistro but you can't get a reservation (even with Priority reservations) because the entire ship is Gold and Platinum (free dinner for the Platinum members and priority reservations for the Gold members). A little far fetched I know but after waiting so long to reach the tier it is a little annoying that they gave it away to people with so many less cruises than we have. To add insult to injury there are no Latitudes benefits available on my next cruise because it is less than 5 days; not the best loyalty program in the industry I can tell you. Royal Caribbean's is better.

 

Well put.

 

To me the flaw with the old program was that it did nothing to reward their "super" cruisers if you will. Those folks with 25, 30+ cruises under their belts. Some vague "milestone" reward does not rectify that and making everyone and their brother Platinum does not do service to NCL's most loyal passengers.

 

All I get out of this is that I was a moron for being loyal to NCL. I should have sailed with them 10 less times, would have still ended up platinum, but would have built up benefits on other lines.

[smeyer418]

The milestone awards in the past were things like leather diaries. I don't see the $50 pp award that used to be given when the milestone was reached. In general I am pleased by the changes. I do think that they could have come up with another level and added in that level free internet service for some time.

I hope they modeled this first and saw how many plats they would have.

 

I don't have a major problem awarding Plats to the suite users as they get most of those benefits anyway- all they really added was a free dinner and at those prices they deserve it. Le Bistro was generally the least crowded venues anyway. Wait until they try to change it to another one.

[SuiteRose]

I am happy with the new program... I got the bump to Silver because of a suite that I sailed in last January... only got 7 points for the first time we sailed in a suite but it was a free upgrade so that is fair too. We booked our last cruise a year out but I guess that only goes for cruises booked from here. I am happy with the new rewards at levels... I think cruising is a great deal and any little thing they add on top is fine with me. I don't keep cruising with NCL because I want to raise my loyalty level, I cruise with them because after shopping other lines each time, I wind up back to NCL because I figured I would get a bigger bang for my buck. I got a great deal on a Penthouse this cruise and am very happy!

[che5904]

Your's is the correct answer. It is not as though we are each going to get $10,000 direct deposit into our accounts with these latitudes upgrades. While they are nice, thanks NCL, even at the platinum level they don't affect the value of the cruise $100 total, and much, much less at levels with out the platinum Le Bistro dinner. It's just fun to move up the levels, and fun to talk about, but are certainly not the major motivation for a cruise. A few folks here have been sounding like black Friday shoppers.

 

Oh yes I agree completely. Mind you if the direct deposit was on the table, that may change my reason for cruising ;) :D

 

I think you said a mouthful with "thanks NCL". It's kind of funny how some will get really bent out of shape because they don't feel the company is doing enough to thank them for being loyal and yet themselves forget those 2 little words for what they do receive in recognition. I use a lot of companies on a repeat basis that have no loyalty programs or special treatment for my returning. Why do I return? Because I like their product and/or I am treated well. So NCL giving me a small token to me for returning is very nice and I appreciate it. I guess it doesn't take much to please me.

 

And yes it is fun to watch your progress move up, I like that new little meter they have for my progress. :)

[halos]

Platinum does not do service to NCL's most loyal passengers.

 

All I get out of this is that I was a moron for being loyal to NCL. I should have sailed with them 10 less times, would have still ended up platinum, but would have built up benefits on other lines.

 

I think I see the divide here...

There are some like you that feel it is important to build up benefits. I know there are quite a few people like you. We actually met a couple (on land) that sailed RCI exclusively because they wanted to keep building their cruise count for benefits. That works for them and that's perfectly OK...however, I find it weird. They found my scattering all my cruises about weird.

I cruise for the ocean...not for perks or benefits. I guess that is the difference.

All I want when I am on board is fabulous service and a feeling of relaxation. Cruises give me that. NCL does it the best (for me, at this moment). Anything they give me in addition is a total plus...but not my primary focus. I can't imagine choosing a line I like even a tiny bit less, just to reach a tier level to get some small perk. I also can't imagine stickign with one line and not trying any other just because I'd mess up my 'count'.

I want a good cruise. That is my primary focus and why I choose a line. There is no thought in my tier level when I choose a cruise.

 

I'm truly sorry that some of you feel cheated. A new-to-NCL poster (Tom & Cheryl) did an entire thread comparing cruise line loyalty benefits. You may want to look at it and see what you may have missed by 'giving' those last 10 cruises to NCL instead of branching out. It might not be that you missed all that much. If you have, go rack 'em up on the other lines and before long you can be platinum on several. :) I would think that might make you feel better (It would make me feel good...just trying to get there!!)

 

 

 

Why do I return? Because I like their product and/or I am treated well.

exactly. :)

[Beaver1975]

Personally, I agree there will soon be too many Platinum members if NCL keeps the huge 9 month early booking bonus. If they keep it, I will reach those milestone gifts faster, but I hope they scale it back.

 

Really? So, now that you have attained this new status you want it to be rolled back? Me, me, me, me, me, me!!!!

[Cubechick]

I think I see the divide here...

There are some like you that feel it is important to build up benefits. I know there are quite a few people like you. We actually met a couple (on land) that sailed RCI exclusively because they wanted to keep building their cruise count for benefits. That works for them and that's perfectly OK...however, I find it weird. They found my scattering all my cruises about weird.

I cruise for the ocean...not for perks or benefits. I guess that is the difference.

All I want when I am on board is fabulous service and a feeling of relaxation. Cruises give me that. NCL does it the best (for me, at this moment). Anything they give me in addition is a total plus...but not my primary focus. I can't imagine choosing a line I like even a tiny bit less, just to reach a tier level to get some small perk. I want a good cruise. That is my primary focus and why I choose a line. There is no thought in my tier level when I choose a cruise.

 

I'm truly sorry that some of you feel cheated. A new-to-NCL poster (Tom & Cheryl) did an entire thread comparing cruise line loyalty benefits. You may want to look at it and see what you may have missed by 'giving' those last 10 cruises to NCL instead of branching out. It might not be that you missed all that much. If you have, go rack 'em up on the other lines and before long you can be platinum on several. :) I would think that might make you feel better (It would make me feel good...just trying to get there!!)

 

That's not exactly true. It's hard to put into words exactly my feelings on this. Frankly I don't care a great deal about the tangible benefits. I could never get comped to LeBistro again and be fine with it. It's the intangibles where I really felt as though my personal business was valued and appreciated. Perhaps I should have said I could have built relationships on other lines?

 

That won't completely end. The relationships I've built remain and I'm certain that when I step onto my next NCL ship I will have a wonderful time.

 

But the fact that in this move they did nothing to benefit their most loyal passengers is flabbergasting. Quite honestly I didn't expect to benefit from any change, but it would have been nice to have something to look forward to.

 

Part of me will remain loyal to NCL because of the PEOPLE we've met, but NCL will no longer win my business automatically.

[halos]

That's not exactly true. It's hard to put into words exactly my feelings on this. Frankly I don't care a great deal about the tangible benefits. I could never get comped to LeBistro again and be fine with it. It's the intangibles where I really felt as though my personal business was valued and appreciated.

 

That won't completely end. The relationships I've built remain and I'm certain that when I step onto my next NCL ship I will have a wonderful time.

 

But the fact that in this move they did nothing to benefit their most loyal passengers is flabbergasting. Quite honestly I didn't expect to benefit from any change, but it would have been nice to have something to look forward to.

 

Part of me will remain loyal to NCL because of the PEOPLE we've met, but NCL will no longer win my business automatically.

 

Again, I am sorry you feel cheated.

[sjnyc323]

7 more points to platinum...guess that cruise I took in 1995 was too early to count.

 

you should call and tell them.

 

Sent from my SCH-R910 using Tapatalk

[Cubechick]

Again, I am sorry you feel cheated.

 

Not cheated. Just given no value.

[roger001]

That's not exactly true. It's hard to put into words exactly my feelings on this. Frankly I don't care a great deal about the tangible benefits. I could never get comped to LeBistro again and be fine with it. It's the intangibles where I really felt as though my personal business was valued and appreciated. Perhaps I should have said I could have built relationships on other lines?

 

That won't completely end. The relationships I've built remain and I'm certain that when I step onto my next NCL ship I will have a wonderful time.

 

But the fact that in this move they did nothing to benefit their most loyal passengers is flabbergasting. Quite honestly I didn't expect to benefit from any change, but it would have been nice to have something to look forward to.

 

Part of me will remain loyal to NCL because of the PEOPLE we've met, but NCL will no longer win my business automatically.

 

I don't know where the maximum level of additional benefits should be, but with everything, there are eventual maximum limits. I worked for an organization for 38 years. We were given pay grade step increases each year, two, three until we reached step 10. We achieved that with about 15 years of service. But that was it. Was it not fair to me that my additional 18 years of service did give me additional rewards, I don't know. But I did understand the system as it was and realized that at step ten my loyality had been recognized to the maximum it was going to happen.

[Beaver1975]

Again, I am sorry you feel cheated.

 

Can you be any more condescending?

[che5904]

But the fact that in this move they did nothing to benefit their most loyal passengers is flabbergasting. Quite honestly I didn't expect to benefit from any change, but it would have been nice to have something to look forward to.

 

Part of me will remain loyal to NCL because of the PEOPLE we've met, but NCL will no longer win my business automatically.

 

After comparing the old latitudes program with the new, it appears the only real change they made was to move people up the ladder based more on how many days you sailed and at what level, so for the most part people are moving up a little quicker

 

It doesn't appear the change was about what they are giving once you reach those levels, they have stayed relatively consistent with what they already had. The exact same + the added benefits below

Bronze - ship pin

Silver - Chocolates on pillow

Gold - Fruit basket

Platinum - Sparkling Wine

Concierge

Chocolate covered strawberries.

 

So since this change was just based on how they calculate the levels, if you were satisfied enough before to be loyal to NCL, sorry I'm not seeing why that would change now.

[Beaver1975]

I don't know where the maximum level of additional benefits should be, but with everything, there are eventual maximum limits. I worked for an organization for 38 years. We were given pay grade step increases each year, two, three until we reached step 10. We achieved that with about 15 years of service. But that was it. Was it not fair to me that my additional 18 years of service did give me additional rewards, I don't know. But I did understand the system as it was and realized that at step ten my loyality had been recognized to the maximum it was going to happen.

 

Apples and oranges!!!!

[halos]

Can you be any more condescending?

 

That was in no way my intent.

Even when you try to be a decent human being on these boards, people twist your intent.

If you would like to think that of me fine, but I hope Cubechick didn't see it that way.

[Beaver1975]

After comparing the old latitudes program with the new, it appears the only real change they made was to move people up the ladder based more on how many days you sailed and at what level, so for the most part people are moving up a little quicker

 

It doesn't appear the change was about what they are giving once you reach those levels, they have stayed relatively consistent with what they already had. The exact same + the added benefits below

Bronze - ship pin

Silver - Chocolates on pillow

Gold - Fruit basket

Platinum - Sparkling Wine

Concierge

Chocolate covered strawberries.

 

So since this change was just based on how they calculate the levels, if you were satisfied enough before to be loyal to NCL, sorry I'm not seeing why that would change now.

 

...and watch all of these "perks" be modified (or eliminated) as time goes on after they realize so many more people are eating for free in LeBistro (twice!!), and the Behind the Scenes tours are filled with freebies, and all of that free laundry.

[Beaver1975]

That was in no way my intent.

Even when you try to be a decent human being on these boards, people twist your intent.

If you would like to think that of me fine, but I hope Cubechick didn't see it that way.

 

Go back to being giddy about your new found status, it suits you better.

[time2cruise1]

I think I see the divide here...

There are some like you that feel it is important to build up benefits. I know there are quite a few people like you. We actually met a couple (on land) that sailed RCI exclusively because they wanted to keep building their cruise count for benefits. That works for them and that's perfectly OK...however, I find it weird. They found my scattering all my cruises about weird.

I cruise for the ocean...not for perks or benefits. I guess that is the difference.

All I want when I am on board is fabulous service and a feeling of relaxation. Cruises give me that. NCL does it the best (for me, at this moment). Anything they give me in addition is a total plus...but not my primary focus. I can't imagine choosing a line I like even a tiny bit less, just to reach a tier level to get some small perk. I also can't imagine stickign with one line and not trying any other just because I'd mess up my 'count'.

I want a good cruise. That is my primary focus and why I choose a line. There is no thought in my tier level when I choose a cruise.

 

I'm truly sorry that some of you feel cheated. A new-to-NCL poster (Tom & Cheryl) did an entire thread comparing cruise line loyalty benefits. You may want to look at it and see what you may have missed by 'giving' those last 10 cruises to NCL instead of branching out. It might not be that you missed all that much. If you have, go rack 'em up on the other lines and before long you can be platinum on several. :) I would think that might make you feel better (It would make me feel good...just trying to get there!!)

 

 

 

exactly. :)

 

halos you don't get it. I feel exactly the same as cubechick. It is not about the rewards but rather the recognition of perhaps extreme loyalty. When I turned Platium some 20 crushes ago the old fashion way I was one of perhaps 6 other platinum guests onboard. We had a platinum only reception with more staff from the ship then guests. They sincerely thanked us for our business.

 

They have so diluted the top tier that people with 6 cruises and 60 cruises are in the same bucket. That makes no sense. Don't get me wrong the new way of calculating levels is fair. I am very happy for the 1000s of new platinum cruisers. They really missed the boat not adding additional levels when they had the chance. The only people that did not benefit from the changes are NCL's very best guests. Not sure what the NCL chicken was thinking as it laid out this program. :D

[che5904]

I don't know where the maximum level of additional benefits should be, but with everything, there are eventual maximum limits. I worked for an organization for 38 years. We were given pay grade step increases each year, two, three until we reached step 10. We achieved that with about 15 years of service. But that was it. Was it not fair to me that my additional 18 years of service did give me additional rewards, I don't know. But I did understand the system as it was and realized that at step ten my loyality had been recognized to the maximum it was going to happen.

 

Very good analogy and in my opinion I think you are very right. At one time there has to be a maximum.

[njhorseman]

halos you don't get it. I feel exactly the same as cubechick. It is not about the rewards but rather the recognition of perhaps extreme loyalty. When I turned Platium some 20 crushes ago the old fashion way I was one of perhaps 6 other platinum guests onboard. We had a platinum only reception with more staff from the ship then guests. They sincerely thanked us for our business.

 

They have so diluted the top tier that people with 6 cruises and 60 cruises are in the same bucket. That makes no sense. Don't get me wrong the new way of calculating levels is fair. I am very happy for the 1000s of new platinum cruisers. They really missed the boat not adding additional levels when they had the chance. The only people that did not benefit from the changes are NCL's very best guests. Not sure what the NCL chicken was thinking as it laid out this program. :D

 

I agree with you and cubechick.

[halos]

When I turned Platium some 20 crushes ago the old fashion way I was one of perhaps 6 other platinum guests onboard.

 

I see what you are saying...but as NCL has grown, it could not stay like that forever.

I guess adding more tiers would have helped, but how high do they need to go??? :confused: Would there be any end?

 

Go back to being giddy about your new found status, it suits you better.

 

Yeah..I'm kinda happy that it does.