So Platinum becomes Diamond

[Mikel1733]

If this is true they should put a couple of ice machines on every pax floor.

 

 

It was posted that putting ice machines on the floors wouldn't happen because of the threat of norovirus being spread, which makes sense.

[Mikel1733]

returning cruisers are reporting you must contact guest services now for ice. the brand ambassador is posting that you will be asked if you want ice by the room steward.

 

the truth is somewhere in between.

 

Guess we will get all the dirty details on the 11th.

[barbatkins]

So we are at 18 cruises with 99 days and a b2b (9 days) in jan.

Are we still platinum??

 

yes!!

[barbatkins]

You're still Platinum. The only ones that got screwed over here are folks that made Milestone with 25+ cruises and fall short of 200 days. Even though some have 30+ Cruises they will remain Platinum and will not be Grandfathered into Diamond. They need to have the 200 days to be Diamond. On the other hand, if someone has only 27 days over nine 3-Nite cruises the new rules state they can take a 3 Nite cruise through 2013 and become Platinum. Quite a screwing to those that have been loyal to this cruise line with 30+ cruises! Quite a smack in the face to those that have earned their Platinum status now! Different set of rules....speaks volumes on what they think of their loyal customers!!!

 

HOW can it be a smack in the face? They are STILL PLATINUM...... the Diamond status is NEW folks!!! its NEW!!! Platinum and/or Milestone guests with over 200 nights can now be in the Diamond tier............. otherwise, they are still Platinum/Milestone guests......

 

Waaa Waaaa Waaa

[terryinal]

I have been on 23 cruises and 2 more booked. I feel that people like me and the milestone are the ones who got the shaft. The free slot thing was someyhing I did because it was free. So won't miss that. Still get to do some lundry so that is OK.I feel for the milestone who been on 30- 35 cruises and only have 185 days. Why grandfather people into platinum and not the milestone to diamond

[cruzn buckeye]

Milestone is not part of the loyalty program per se. It is a separate program whereby you receive OBC in the amount of 25%, 50%, 75%, or a free cruise for 100 cruises. This is one time per level.

 

The new program doesn't list a Milestone level because it does not belong there. There are no current perks for Milestone and we get what the Platinum level cruisers receive. The new program created a new level called Diamond for cruisers with 200+ days. Finally there is something extra for people that have a lot of days cruised. Currently the perks are the same for someone on their 35th, 68th, 94th, etc. cruise as on number 10. That never seemed fair to me.

 

The new Diamond level is still pretty pathetic since the perks of a free upgrade, free dinner in the specialty restaurant, and luggage tags are one time benefits, not once per cruise which would be a lot better. There is the invitation from the Captain, for something, on every cruise. All Past Guests receive a free drink at the Punchliner Brunch so that isn't a big deal for Diamond. Who wants an alcoholic beverage at brunch anyway? At least if it was at the nighttime comedy club that would be a lot better. We are really going to miss the free slot tourney entry as that was something we really enjoyed. We won't pay for that since we don't spend $20 in the casino.

 

We still have to wait until June 11 to see the official program before we can complain one way or the other. I agree that it doesn't look good at the moment and certainly not the super program that this was hyped to be.

 

the drink probably isnt alcohol... its probably the new pay for espresso or cappicino

[SCUBA Mark]

If you are grandfathered into Diamond, would that mean you would not qualify for the one-time Diamond benefits.

 

That would cost Carnival a bundle to pass out all of those benefits to everyone that they grandfathered in.

 

I could see how they could rationalize only giving those benefits to people that earned the class. Grandfather implies you have already been there.

[Frank12]

Bottom line is that when you compare to the other cruise lines, this loyalty program is pretty sorry. Almost wish I'd have started cruising with NCL or Royal. :cool:

[sharecruises]

returning cruisers are reporting you must contact guest services now for ice. the brand ambassador is posting that you will be asked if you want ice by the room steward.

 

the truth is somewhere in between.

 

Just off Spirit....our room steward filled ice 2x per day, no problem...we did ask him to on first day.

 

They did my laundry 2x (I am Platinum) only problem was 2nd time there was no laundry bag...had to call for that

 

Only had one breakfast roomservice hanger in cabin and had to call for more

 

I got the pin and the backpack...and the chocolate covered strawberries and 4 little cakes, very rich and good

 

Interesting : they gave me 2 pins and 2 backpacks LOL (my cabinmate was on her first Carnival cruise but she enjoyed them)

 

Also interesting : several things referred to 'Concierge Club">> my list of perks in cabin said "Concierge Club"

 

etc

[cruisercrazy69]

the key phrase is ONE TIME :(

[kenspidey]

very funny....thanks for the laugh

 

The CCL cheerleaders will respond that you are getting a coupon good for one drink, valid at the comedy club. They will say you are ungrateful for what CCL gives you, they are the best cruise value around, it is a fun ship, lots of fun, you are not a fun person, that they are going to give one dollar to St. Jude and if that doesn't make you happy, you must hate kids, you are not grateful,etc.

[Out to sea!]

I have been on 23 cruises and 2 more booked. I feel that people like me and the milestone are the ones who got the shaft. The free slot thing was someyhing I did because it was free. So won't miss that. Still get to do some lundry so that is OK.I feel for the milestone who been on 30- 35 cruises and only have 185 days. Why grandfather people into platinum and not the milestone to diamond

 

Because the milestone program has absolutely nothing to do with the Blue/Gold/Platinum (now Blue/Red/Gold/Platinum/Diamond) program. Never did. They have always been 2 completely separate programs and still are.

[djacobson]

If you are grandfathered into Diamond, would that mean you would not qualify for the one-time Diamond benefits.

 

That would cost Carnival a bundle to pass out all of those benefits to everyone that they grandfathered in.

 

I could see how they could rationalize only giving those benefits to people that earned the class. Grandfather implies you have already been there.

 

There are around 3,150 cruisers who have sailed with Carnival 25 times or more. If you take into account that at least seven ships in the fleet have only 3, 4 or 5 day itineraries, the ability to get to 200 days is difficult. Milestone cruisers feel they have definitely earned that designation by their loyalty. They may feel disappointed that they have to sail another 5 - 7 times in order to be recognized by Carnival once again as their most loyal cruisers. That, along with being told that until they reach 200 days, they have reduced perks (BOGO blackjack or Slot Tournament entry, no more Galley Tour, reduced laundry service, etc.) and then seeing others grandfathered in within a 12 - 18 month period to a higher level, does make them feel slighted. Knowing that life is not fair, I will continue to sail with Carnival and keep my CCL stock. It's just disappointing news that seems to be coming from CCL. I will be on the Conquest when the announcement is made.

 

I am hoping that Carnival will take into account that this 1% of their customer base have been among their most loyal customers.

[cruzn buckeye]

Because the milestone program has absolutely nothing to do with the Blue/Gold/Platinum (now Blue/Red/Gold/Platinum/Diamond) program. Never did. They have always been 2 completely separate programs and still are.

yes, this is true... but it is a "level" of sorts because it earns a perk. You have to hit that 25 cruise level to get it...

The milestone cruisers should be grandfathered to the highest tier... just as promised... instead of staying in the Platinum tier that someone with 10 cruises has. 25 is a big number to hit... and says alot about loyalty...

Lets see.. me... total 26 cruises... 25 Carnival... 1 Royal Carribbean in 2004. This loyalty should be appreciated... dontcha think??

I will continue cruising with Carnival as I have always loved to...

[kingoftheicedragons]

yes, this is true... but it is a "level" of sorts because it earns a perk. You have to hit that 25 cruise level to get it...

The milestone cruisers should be grandfathered to the highest tier... just as promised... instead of staying in the Platinum tier that someone with 10 cruises has. 25 is a big number to hit... and says alot about loyalty...

Lets see.. me... total 26 cruises... 25 Carnival... 1 Royal Carribbean in 2004. This loyalty should be appreciated... dontcha think??

I will continue cruising with Carnival as I have always loved to...

 

There is no "milestone tier." There never has been. Yes, milestone still exists, exactly as it did before. There is no change to anyone who has earned their milestone status.

 

However, I do feel the number of days required for each tier to be on the high side. I will have to take 12 cruises before I reach platinum status. I understand that platinum perks aren't that great, but still something to attain. I also think that diamond status should start at 175 days--not 200--which would be 25 7-day cruises and therefore I think people wouldn't be upset because they'd still be diamond and milestone both. But look at it this way, you still get your milestone reward at 25 cruises plus another reward level when you get your 200 days in, which for most would only be another three or four cruises.

[terryinal]

yes, this is true... but it is a "level" of sorts because it earns a perk. You have to hit that 25 cruise level to get it...

The milestone cruisers should be grandfathered to the highest tier... just as promised... instead of staying in the Platinum tier that someone with 10 cruises has. 25 is a big number to hit... and says alot about loyalty...

Lets see.. me... total 26 cruises... 25 Carnival... 1 Royal Carribbean in 2004. This loyalty should be appreciated... dontcha think??

I will continue cruising with Carnival as I have always loved to...

 

I'm glad a few people agree with me. I'm not going to jump ship and cruise with someone else. But I don't think they are treating the people who cruise with them the most got a fair deal. But all the details arn't out,so just have to wait and see.

[Gail & Marty sailing away]

Free Wi Fi would be nice ...

[teeredi2cruise]

Apparently you must ask your room steward for ice now. However someone has reported that the steward's job no longer has him getting you ice but must call room service. Hopefully that is not the case.

 

On the Freedom on May 5th sailing, we had to get our initial ice through room service. Our cabin steward refilled the ice on most nights and when he did not, we had to call room service. I obviously can't speak to every ship and sailing, but this is how it worked for us.

[BigDoug]

Apparently you must ask your room steward for ice now. However someone has reported that the steward's job no longer has him getting you ice but must call room service. Hopefully that is not the case.

 

returning cruisers are reporting you must contact guest services now for ice. the brand ambassador is posting that you will be asked if you want ice by the room steward.

 

the truth is somewhere in between.

 

On the Freedom on May 5th sailing, we had to get our initial ice through room service. Our cabin steward refilled the ice on most nights and when he did not, we had to call room service. I obviously can't speak to every ship and sailing, but this is how it worked for us.

A quick way to fix this one - reduced service equals a reduced tip. I know that I'll be criticized for even suggesting reducing tips but if the room stewards are doing less for me, why should I be tipping more?

[Out to sea!]

yes, this is true... but it is a "level" of sorts because it earns a perk. You have to hit that 25 cruise level to get it...

The milestone cruisers should be grandfathered to the highest tier... just as promised... instead of staying in the Platinum tier that someone with 10 cruises has. 25 is a big number to hit... and says alot about loyalty...

Lets see.. me... total 26 cruises... 25 Carnival... 1 Royal Carribbean in 2004. This loyalty should be appreciated... dontcha think??

I will continue cruising with Carnival as I have always loved to...

 

I don't understand why you want to continue trying to smash the two programs together? The Milestone program is still the Milestone program. They still get the same Milestone benefits. If they were going to do away with the Milestone program then your argument might have plausibility (which sounds like what you want), but there is no reason to give someone with as little as 75 sea days (25-3 day cruises) the same benefits as someone who has 200+ sea days. Let the Milestone program stand on it's own as an extra benefit to those who attain it and leave the current (new) program as it is. Also, you would be taking the Milestone benefits (25, 25, 75, & 1005 off of a cruise) away from those members if you converted them to Diamond because the new Diamond category doesn't have those benefits.

[sharecruises]

Reading is fundamental

 

NO where does it say that Platinum becomes Diamond

 

Milestones may or may not be Diamonds...the two programs appear to be different

 

There also is another thread of misinformation where someone claims the upgrade/free 3 or 4 person is on "every diamond cruise">> and that is also wrong...Carnival site says that is a one time benefit

 

I am not thrilled by the new program but I am also disturbed by the way people spread all sorts of stuff that only confuses others

[martinchem]

I don't understand why you want to continue trying to smash the two programs together? The Milestone program is still the Milestone program. They still get the same Milestone benefits. If they were going to do away with the Milestone program then your argument might have plausibility (which sounds like what you want), but there is no reason to give someone with as little as 75 sea days (25-3 day cruises) the same benefits as someone who has 200+ sea days. Let the Milestone program stand on it's own as an extra benefit to those who attain it and leave the current (new) program as it is. Also, you would be taking the Milestone benefits (25, 25, 75, & 1005 off of a cruise) away from those members if you converted them to Diamond because the new Diamond category doesn't have those benefits.

 

Then why did they switch us Milestoners to white cards?? Obviously there is something special about hitting 25 cruises with one cruiseline amd I think that CCL should honor that and give us there best perks within all there companies.

[cruzn buckeye]

I don't understand why you want to continue trying to smash the two programs together? The Milestone program is still the Milestone program. They still get the same Milestone benefits. If they were going to do away with the Milestone program then your argument might have plausibility (which sounds like what you want), but there is no reason to give someone with as little as 75 sea days (25-3 day cruises) the same benefits as someone who has 200+ sea days. Let the Milestone program stand on it's own as an extra benefit to those who attain it and leave the current (new) program as it is. Also, you would be taking the Milestone benefits (25, 25, 75, & 1005 off of a cruise) away from those members if you converted them to Diamond because the new Diamond category doesn't have those benefits.

No one is trying to smash the two programs together. The fact is that Milestone cruisers were told they would be in the highest tier... which is Diamond...

And by the way... I have 140 sea days, including two suites , one a cat 11 wrap on the Pride, and a cat 9 premium vista balcony. Do I think I should be still at Platinum, where I was 14 cruises ago... heck no...

[djacobson]

Then why did they switch us Milestoners to white cards?? Obviously there is something special about hitting 25 cruises with one cruiseline amd I think that CCL should honor that and give us there best perks within all there companies.

 

I agree entirely with you. It looks like you have around 172 days for your many cruises. You should be rewarded for your loyalty. A different colored card with the word "platinum" appearing no where the card certainly indicates to me it is a different level. It is not just Platinum with a 25% OBC on a designated cruise.

 

Again, there are so few Milestone cruisers in relation to the thousands of past guests with Carnival. They are the most loyal of Carnival's guests. While is it theoretically possible for someone to take 25 three day cruises, there are only a couple of ships which offer such an itinerary. I have been on one three day cruise, as part of a B2B. I seriously doubt there are many who have sailed on 25 three day cruises. Most of us have sailed five or seven day cruises. For three years after Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans did not offer seven day cruises. As a stockholder, it is great to see the ships sailing out of New Orleans at full capacity. Being a stockholder certainly doesn't make me better than anyone else, but I would think it might indicate some level of loyalty.

 

It's uncomfortable for me to answer the question on cruises "So, how many cruises have you been on?" To me, it is irrelevant and more importantly, the important thing is that I am on a cruise and not at work! I don't like having to now be classed by how many days at sea I have, especially when certain benefits are being diminished or eliminated, while at the same time a grace period is being extended to those close to attaining a level. Nothing against those close to 75 days having a chance to reach Platinum, I just wish that the same type of opportunity be given to loyal Carnival cruisers who have sailed 25 plus cruises.

 

 

I remain hopeful that Carnival will release on June 11 a program that will offer the Milestone level passengers something that acknowledges that Milestone cruisers are among the most loyal of the loyal Carnival cruisers.

[idiebabe]

I agree entirely with you. It looks like you have around 172 days for your many cruises. You should be rewarded for your loyalty. A different colored card with the word "platinum" appearing no where the card certainly indicates to me it is a different level. It is not just Platinum with a 25% OBC on a designated cruise.

 

Again, there are so few Milestone cruisers in relation to the thousands of past guests with Carnival. They are the most loyal of Carnival's guests. While is it theoretically possible for someone to take 25 three day cruises, there are only a couple of ships which offer such an itinerary. I have been on one three day cruise, as part of a B2B. I seriously doubt there are many who have sailed on 25 three day cruises. Most of us have sailed five or seven day cruises. For three years after Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans did not offer seven day cruises. As a stockholder, it is great to see the ships sailing out of New Orleans at full capacity. Being a stockholder certainly doesn't make me better than anyone else, but I would think it might indicate some level of loyalty.

 

It's uncomfortable for me to answer the question on cruises "So, how many cruises have you been on?" To me, it is irrelevant and more importantly, the important thing is that I am on a cruise and not at work! I don't like having to now be classed by how many days at sea I have, especially when certain benefits are being diminished or eliminated, while at the same time a grace period is being extended to those close to attaining a level. Nothing against those close to 75 days having a chance to reach Platinum, I just wish that the same type of opportunity be given to loyal Carnival cruisers who have sailed 25 plus cruises.

 

 

I remain hopeful that Carnival will release on June 11 a program that will offer the Milestone level passengers something that acknowledges that Milestone cruisers are among the most loyal of the loyal Carnival cruisers.

 

Very well said!

 

I think what some just can't comprehend is from what was released Carnival is not treating the Milestoners fairly when they have a different set of rules for them and a different set of rules for those that are NOT YET Platinum. I don't even understand how anyone can argue this!!! Carnival is saying that you don't have to have the number of sail days of 75 to become Platinum...just take 1 or 2 (any # of days) cruise and you will become Platinum. Carnival is saying to Milestoners....we don't care how many cruises you have been on....you need to meet the 200 days. Again, what's so hard to understand that they are treating two groups differently!!!

 

Milestone is recognized as a level (until the new program is rolled out) because they did give a different card than Platinum and a perk to go along with it. Carnival and it's staff recognized it as a level different than Platinum. I don't understand why people don't get that either!