Elite Status "The Easy Way"

[Colo Cruiser]

Good tip... I didn't realize they gave you a dessert wine glass to keep.. I guess I will go to the wine tasting on my next cruise in May. :D I travel with others who are not Elite so I figured I would not go but, hey they were in the casino anyways (and I don't gamble) :p ha ha

 

 

Shot glass.

[jamscckmc]

RC and others have now changed their locality programs so that only days not cruises count. Too many people were reaching the upper levels.

[Colo Cruiser]

RC and others have now changed their locality programs so that only days not cruises count. Too many people were reaching the upper levels.

 

Think its too late, everyones already there. :eek:

[rubrrick]

Think its too late, everyones already there. :eek:

 

 

Sort of like the past few times that I have cruised with Princess, the Elite lounge was crowded. Give it a bit of time, and Princess will also come up with a new tier, and with 52 cruises under your belt, you might just make the new tier!!:);)

 

16 cruises and you are Elite, 21 for the first OBC then 32 for the next jump in OBC, as I recall 52 for the highest OBC given to Elite, so either 52, or at 62 cruises shows everyone that you are truly loyal to the brand, and given a new tier.

 

Now, all of that will be thrown out the window, and days at sea will be the new, and only way to make the new tier.

 

Just guessing!!:D

 

Rick

[Colo Cruiser]

Sort of like the past few times that I have cruised with Princess, the Elite lounge was crowded. Give it a bit of time, and Princess will also come up with a new tier, and with 52 cruises under your belt, you might just make the new tier!!:);)

 

16 cruises and you are Elite, 21 for the first OBC then 32 for the next jump in OBC, as I recall 52 for the highest OBC given to Elite, so either 52, or at 62 cruises shows everyone that you are truly loyal to the brand, and given a new tier.

 

Now, all of that will be thrown out the window, and days at sea will be the new, and only way to make the new tier.

 

Just guessing!!:D

 

Rick

 

Yes on the Sapphire in March it was really crowded. :(

[shredie]

Yes on the Sapphire in March it was really crowded. :(

 

I guess it was a different cruise from mine. I had never seen so few people in the P/E lounge.

[Pamster]

After all what's the difference when we are in a suite?

 

Internet minutes is the only thing I know of that Elite's get but suites don't.

[RetiredNTraveling]

Internet minutes is the only thing I know of that Elite's get but suites don't.

 

I guess that is correct, however when I never use very many of the internet minutes anyway. ;) To date when on a cruise, I have sent one email and never posted on CC from a cruise! I also never use my cell phone! :rolleyes: Oh well, when you are as unimportant and me, then it's just time to relax and enjoy the moment!

Edited April 7, 2014 by RetiredNTraveling

[JetJock_YHZ]

Hello Fellow Princess Cruisers!

 

We always stay in full suites, so you get 2 credits per cruise. Just recently, we did 3 separate get-away cruises on the Ruby ex FLL.

 

We got 6 credits each and are now both Elite!

 

As far as I know, this is legal.

 

Cheers!

 

Carl and Brett

Waverley, NS, Canada

[bhopal21]

Hello Fellow Princess Cruisers!

 

We always stay in full suites, so you get 2 credits per cruise. Just recently, we did 3 separate get-away cruises on the Ruby ex FLL.

 

We got 6 credits each and are now both Elite!

 

As far as I know, this is legal.

 

Cheers!

 

Carl and Brett

Waverley, NS, Canada

 

 

Exactly. You are just as legal Elite as someone with 42 cruises and 600 days.

 

And have probably spent more money onboard than most of them.

 

Mike:)

[geoherb]

Sort of like the past few times that I have cruised with Princess, the Elite lounge was crowded.

That's because it's not just an Elite lounge. We've been going for several years as soon as we hit Platinum. And the people in full suites get to go as well. At double occupancy, they add an additional 56 people on the Ruby and similar ships.

[critterchick]

You have to do $5,000.00 in commissions before qualifying for IATA. Princess looks to either CLIA members or IATA members to qualify for becoming part of the Princess TA program.

 

There are a few on here that understand how the TA "One Source" program works. they are bonafied agents, and work very hard, and Princess rewards them for their work, just as they reward those that have cruised many times with Princess to earn their status.

 

It's nice to be a true Elite, as well as being a Commodore through the Princess Academy.;)

 

Rick

 

Isn't it, though?:D

 

We never set foot in Skywalkers during the cocktail hour. We enjoy being out and about the ship too much.

 

Princess has done a great job luring us back with the short cruises out of LA - we favored RCI for a long time, and still love the experience on their ships, but now that we get some very nice perks on Princess as well and they sail more from the Left Coast, we are happy to split our dollars between them. And spend plenty of money once we get onboard.:eek::D

[xltiny]

I met some folks on the 2nd half of my B2B last September (Island Princess last run to Alaska followed by YVR > SFO 2 day trip) Who on the Saturday took a Vancouver to Seattle 1 day, drove back up to Vancouver took another Vancouver to Seattle 1 day. followed by the two day trip between Vancouver and San Francisco. All were booked as single occupancy, in 4 days they gained platinum status from zero.

 

Is it fair, no not really but it's well within the rules and I have no beef with that. Personally I feel that is one of the better ways to hit Elite fast. I've started booking single cabin 1 day repositioning's then applying for Shareholder Benefit.

 

On average the cabins are $60 x2 (single occupancy) + ~$80 port taxes less $50 from Princess for the shareholder Benefit. Not too shabby

[runnerodb83]

I met some folks on the 2nd half of my B2B last September (Island Princess last run to Alaska followed by YVR > SFO 2 day trip) Who on the Saturday took a Vancouver to Seattle 1 day, drove back up to Vancouver took another Vancouver to Seattle 1 day. followed by the two day trip between Vancouver and San Francisco. All were booked as single occupancy, in 4 days they gained platinum status from zero.

 

Is it fair, no not really but it's well within the rules and I have no beef with that. Personally I feel that is one of the better ways to hit Elite fast. I've started booking single cabin 1 day repositioning's then applying for Shareholder Benefit.

 

On average the cabins are $60 x2 (single occupancy) + ~$80 port taxes less $50 from Princess for the shareholder Benefit. Not too shabby

 

How is it "not fair"? Is it fair that business travelers flying 2 or 3 times a month, traveling on company dime all those frequent flier miles? it is what it is. For people that become "elite" by taking the short cruises, good for them, I really don't understand this nothing that they are cheating. That just sounds like some people are bitter.

[JPEvans]

I think becoming a top tier on a cruise line makes ordinary people feel

Superior. You've heard stories over the years about how Elite passengers

Refuse to sit with first time cruisers and the lady who only hangs out

In a Diamond lounge because she doesn't want to interact with the

Common folks. That's why some people get mad when people get to

Higher tiers by booking solo or suites or a bunch of short cruises. They

Don't want cruisers that are not superior as them joining their club.

 

I'm taking my 28th cruise in a few weeks. It took me a long long time

To reach Platinum with Carnival because I was taking long European and

Transatlantic cruises. Only did I receive Platinum when Carnival changed

Their policy of days cruises. And I just became Platinum on Princess

Only because I sailed solo in my cabin. I tend to cruise lots of lines and

Not just commit to one.

[runnerodb83]

I think becoming a top tier on a cruise line makes ordinary people feel

Superior. You've heard stories over the years about how Elite passengers

Refuse to sit with first time cruisers and the lady who only hangs out

In a Diamond lounge because she doesn't want to interact with the

Common folks. That's why some people get mad when people get to

Higher tiers by booking solo or suites or a bunch of short cruises. They

Don't want cruisers that are not superior as them joining their club.

 

I'm taking my 28th cruise in a few weeks. It took me a long long time

To reach Platinum with Carnival because I was taking long European and

Transatlantic cruises. Only did I receive Platinum when Carnival changed

Their policy of days cruises. And I just became Platinum on Princess

Only because I sailed solo in my cabin. I tend to cruise lots of lines and

Not just commit to one.

 

Yeah and I wouldn't want to sit with them :) . Since I got to Elite the REALLY easy way, however I had very few benefits along the way as I was cruising on interline rates and while I accumulated credits, I couldn't use any of the benefits while cruising on those rates. The folks that always seem to get upset about this always clam up about this time in the thread.

[lovevacadays]

I don't understand why people criticize people for making elite status "the easy way". If it is Princess' policy and people are going on the shorter cruises more power to them. I don't think people should have to book a longer cruise just so they arrive at Elite status the way others think they should. The program is as it is right now.

[PeteBull64]

When you book those coastal 1 day solo for 2 credits...do you have to board the ship or just booking it is enough ?

 

Im asking because we are very close from getting elite and we will have a very long cruise soon and I would prefer to be elite BEFORE that cruise rather then becoming DURING. But I cant make it to the 1 day cruise but would book and no show if it works.

 

Sorry for those offended but it would be very good for me

 

P

[bhopal21]

You will have to take the cruise physically in order to obtain credit.

 

Mike:)

[Colo Cruiser]

When you book those coastal 1 day solo for 2 credits...do you have to board the ship or just booking it is enough ?

 

Im asking because we are very close from getting elite and we will have a very long cruise soon and I would prefer to be elite BEFORE that cruise rather then becoming DURING. But I cant make it to the 1 day cruise but would book and no show if it works.

 

Sorry for those offended but it would be very good for me

 

P

 

Sorry you have to show and complete the cruise.

[paul929207]

When you book those coastal 1 day solo for 2 credits...do you have to board the ship or just booking it is enough ?

 

Im asking because we are very close from getting elite and we will have a very long cruise soon and I would prefer to be elite BEFORE that cruise rather then becoming DURING. But I cant make it to the 1 day cruise but would book and no show if it works.

 

Sorry for those offended but it would be very good for me

 

P

Sad to say, but you would have to suffer thru the cruise.

[Thrak]

I would say that it's a pretty certain bet that, when we finally make it to elite status, it will be due to the number of days sailed. Will that make us feel "better" or "superior" or "cooler" than a blue or gold card holder? Nope. We will just enjoy being able to have free laundry service.

 

I will always envy those folks who are wide-eyed with the wonder of their first cruise. For me (and for my wife) it was a truly magical and wonderful experience. I will never forget it and it changed me forever.

[Karen Lynn]

Not true. Elite for as long as you are active as a TA.

 

However, it is HARDLY the easy way. You need to watch and take tests on 20+ videos on line and actually stay active booking cruises. I find it a wee bit offensive that people say you just "sign up to be a TA" and that's it.

 

:rolleyes:

 

Easy?!?! :eek: I dispute that!

And I am Elite,always ...not just up to and including my graduation cruise!

Trust me, I earned it.

[jrzebird]

I have no idea why I read threads on loyalty levels because by the second page I am seething. Those who act as if we who get our status the 'easy' way and treat us like dirt under their feet should be ashamed of their elitist attitudes.

 

After my repositioning cruise, I will be Elite. Did I take shortcuts? Yes, but only because they are offered. Would I love to take another cruise before the repo. YES. I want to be Elite for the laundry on the longer cruises. I get the same Internet I would get on Elite; and I don't drink so the bar set up doesn't interest me that much. But these perks are just that, perks, and they give Princess an edge for me. Perks mean a lot. I only fly one airline now because I get free flights, free checked luggage and priority boarding; I only book a certain hotel chain, because they give me upgrades due to my honors status; I eat at a restaurant at home frequently because they give me 20% off of my bill for being a loyal customer. These are small things but they mean a lot to ME. And, they keep me loyal and coming back. I feel as if the brand is saying thank you for your loyalty. It doesn't make be above or more important than others, this is for me.

 

I sail solo most of the time because I don't have a husband. Should I be penalized? I pay practically double what the purists pay and that's for an inside. I sail when I can and pay what I can. The shortest cruise I've taken was a 4-day, and that was because I was already in the port and didn't have to pay to fly twice. Another cost saver.

 

I do wish those who look down on we who take the 'short cut' would realize we are doing nothing to them, nor taking away anything. And to suggest you lose status if you don't sail a certain number of days a year is an insult. Things happen that stop you from a planned vacation that you have no control over.

 

Anyway, I'll get off of my high horse now. As I said, I shouldn't read these threads because they always infuriate me. I probably shouldn't respond to them either.

 

Maureen

[abbydancer2003]

I have no idea why I read threads on loyalty levels because by the second page I am seething. Those who act as if we who get our status the 'easy' way and treat us like dirt under their feet should be ashamed of their elitist attitudes.

 

After my repositioning cruise, I will be Elite. Did I take shortcuts? Yes, but only because they are offered. Would I love to take another cruise before the repo. YES. I want to be Elite for the laundry on the longer cruises. I get the same Internet I would get on Elite; and I don't drink so the bar set up doesn't interest me that much. But these perks are just that, perks, and they give Princess an edge for me. Perks mean a lot. I only fly one airline now because I get free flights, free checked luggage and priority boarding; I only book a certain hotel chain, because they give me upgrades due to my honors status; I eat at a restaurant at home frequently because they give me 20% off of my bill for being a loyal customer. These are small things but they mean a lot to ME. And, they keep me loyal and coming back. I feel as if the brand is saying thank you for your loyalty. It doesn't make be above or more important than others, this is for me.

 

I sail solo most of the time because I don't have a husband. Should I be penalized? I pay practically double what the purists pay and that's for an inside. I sail when I can and pay what I can. The shortest cruise I've taken was a 4-day, and that was because I was already in the port and didn't have to pay to fly twice. Another cost saver.

 

I do wish those who look down on we who take the 'short cut' would realize we are doing nothing to them, nor taking away anything. And to suggest you lose status if you don't sail a certain number of days a year is an insult. Things happen that stop you from a planned vacation that you have no control over.

 

Anyway, I'll get off of my high horse now. As I said, I shouldn't read these threads because they always infuriate me. I probably shouldn't respond to them either.

 

Maureen

 

Well said! I agree with everything you said. And this comes up, with pretty much the same arguments at least once a year.

 

Apparently we are cheaters because we made Elite on number of cruises - I think we had about 55 days when we made Elite, and we still don't have quite enough to have made it on days.

 

I don't see what makes this unfair. Coastal cruises are open to all, not just some (compare that to some Disney annual passes available only to residents of Southern California or Florida - I can't get either of those). I get that it's not financially feasible for all, but hey, we have to work so long cruises aren't feasible for us.

 

If it went to just days I'm sure people who can only take 7 day cruises will complain about those who can do it on 4-5 cruises because they take 30 day or more cruises.

 

Personally, I think the current system, days or cruises is fairest to all.

 

And until recently, they only offered the really short cruises in May and September, ie moving ships in and out of Alaska. Those won't change because they still need to reposition.

 

Oh, those of us on cruises do get to spend a lot of time in lines embarking and disembarking.

 

So off my rant. I just enjoyed a nice 3 day cruise, up next is 7. After that 16. (Although we'll probably throw another short one in if our friends do one (hint hint Punki)

 

Cheers all

Edited May 15, 2014 by abbydancer