Status Match

[ducklite]

No way would they do this. It would be a slap in the face to long time loyal paying customers. You earn rewards by buying into the system; rewards are not given as an enticement to try the system.

 

The way to be afforded some priority perks, on any cruise line really, is to book the more expensive and less common onboard real estate. This opens up additional benefits, lounges, cocktail receptions, etc...

 

I think you are missing the point. The cruise line wants to have high spending guests, and it would be a wise decision to make these offers on a case-by-case scenario.

 

Let's say someone sailed an average of 21 days a year with Azamara and had done so every year for the past 10 years, and then decided that they weren't happy with them for whatever reason. They go to Regent and Silversea and ask both to match the status. The one willing to do that will gain a whale--a high spending, regular guest.

 

Hotels and airlines do the same thing--it's a very cost effective way to capture the cream of the crop guests.

 

Cruise lines don't reward you out of the generosity of their hearts, they do so to capture your business and keep you coming back to them, not jumping from line to line. If they can "steal" a whale from another line by offering to match status, they would be making a foolhardy decision to not agree to this. Frankly I think it's pretty ridiculous that someone would get upset about the .001% of passengers that might get status awarded in this manner. In the big picture, it won't affect you at all--and think, you might want the same courtesy with another line some day.

[iahawkize]

I think you are missing the point. The cruise line wants to have high spending guests, and it would be a wise decision to make these offers on a case-by-case scenario.

 

Let's say someone sailed an average of 21 days a year with Azamara and had done so every year for the past 10 years, and then decided that they weren't happy with them for whatever reason. They go to Regent and Silversea and ask both to match the status. The one willing to do that will gain a whale--a high spending, regular guest.

 

Hotels and airlines do the same thing--it's a very cost effective way to capture the cream of the crop guests.

 

Cruise lines don't reward you out of the generosity of their hearts, they do so to capture your business and keep you coming back to them, not jumping from line to line. If they can "steal" a whale from another line by offering to match status, they would be making a foolhardy decision to not agree to this. Frankly I think it's pretty ridiculous that someone would get upset about the .001% of passengers that might get status awarded in this manner. In the big picture, it won't affect you at all--and think, you might want the same courtesy with another line some day.

 

If you remember the TV Show "Vegas" the "Hosts" would ALWAYS be trying to steal the "Whales" away from other casinos. To quote from the movie "The Godfather" ...." Don't take it personal. It's just business!" When Carnival started offering their Faster to the Fun program ( a limit of 15 cabins/cruise paid $49/cabin to get some but not all of the perks that were given to Platinum members) The "Loyal" Platinum members were up in arms. Did that stop them from cruising Carnival? No!

 

So my point is that it's just good business sense for on a case by case basis a cruise line offer the same perk level to a potential "whale" from a competing cruise line. IMHO

[Aquahound]

In the Carnival "family", each is totally separate and none of the lines recognizes the other's levels.

 

I could be wrong, but I think HAL awards 1 Star status for any first time HAL cruiser who has sailed on a Carnival Corp ship.

 

This is a very interesting thread. We are at a certain level with RCI. Now that they prohibit smoking on balconies, we are thinking of jumping ship (little joke). I was just going to kiss my perks goodbye but one of the previous poster is correct, You don't know what can happen if you don't ask. We are sailing on Carnival next week. They do not have a particularly robust loyalty program, but I am going to venture a call to HAL and NCL and see if there is any interest.

 

On Carnival, you can purchase their Faster to the Fun perk, which provides some of the perks awarded to Platinum (I think it's Platinum) members. I remember frequent Carnival cruisers being up in arms when it was released.

[spookwife]

I

 

Cruise lines don't reward you out of the generosity of their hearts, they do so to capture your business and keep you coming back to them, not jumping from line to line. If they can "steal" a whale from another line by offering to match status, they would be making a foolhardy decision to not agree to this. Frankly I think it's pretty ridiculous that someone would get upset about the .001% of passengers that might get status awarded in this manner. In the big picture, it won't affect you at all--and think, you might want the same courtesy with another line some day.

 

 

they do not WANT the repeat customer who has sailed so often that they no longer spend any money on board as they can get free drinks all day long among other things) they want the FIRST TIME cruiser market who has NOT earned the higher level status and thus spends money on board.

[sail7seas]

I think you are missing the point. The cruise line wants to have high spending guests, and it would be a wise decision to make these offers on a case-by-case scenario.

 

Let's say someone sailed an average of 21 days a year with Azamara and had done so every year for the past 10 years, and then decided that they weren't happy with them for whatever reason. They go to Regent and Silversea and ask both to match the status. The one willing to do that will gain a whale--a high spending, regular guest.

 

Hotels and airlines do the same thing--it's a very cost effective way to capture the cream of the crop guests.

 

Cruise lines don't reward you out of the generosity of their hearts, they do so to capture your business and keep you coming back to them, not jumping from line to line. If they can "steal" a whale from another line by offering to match status, they would be making a foolhardy decision to not agree to this. Frankly I think it's pretty ridiculous that someone would get upset about the .001% of passengers that might get status awarded in this manner. In the big picture, it won't affect you at all--and think, you might want the same courtesy with another line some day.

 

 

 

There is a regular poster here on CC boards who a high rank position on board ships and has worked on a number of lines.

 

He has told us repeatedly the cruise lines want new cruisers more than they want the guest who has sailed with them 20 times. The 20 timers no longer buy many photos, often book few if any excursions, have bought all the trinkets they want...... they may spend some in bars or casino but way too many do not do a lot of on board spending in comparison to some of the 'newbies'. I've never fully accepted that philosophy based on my personal experience of having a very high number of cruises always in a high level cabin. My late DH and I always managed to do a share of on board spending. :)

 

[ducklite]

they do not WANT the repeat customer who has sailed so often that they no longer spend any money on board as they can get free drinks all day long among other things) they want the FIRST TIME cruiser market who has NOT earned the higher level status and thus spends money on board.

 

 

I disagree. The first timer might also drop a chunk in the casino, at the spa, and in specialty dining. My last DCL cruise was a three day, we were in a concierge suite so got free booze, we still had a $700 bar tab because we bought two bottles of wine with dinner and a couple glasses of Port one night. I also had two spa treatments. Our tab for a three day cruise was $1200. Do you really think that another line wouldn't want a spender like that?

[Aquahound]

He has told us repeatedly the cruise lines want new cruisers more than they want the guest who has sailed with them 20 times.

 

they do not WANT the repeat customer who has sailed so often that they no longer spend any money on board as they can get free drinks all day long among other things) they want the FIRST TIME cruiser market who has NOT earned the higher level status and thus spends money on board.

 

I agree. I've worked around the cruise industry for a long time and behind the scenes, this is exactly what I have been told numerous times...and it makes sense. First timers are the most valuable customers. Loyalty programs are there to fill in the gaps and to create cruise line champions...to entice more first timers.

[Gail & Marty sailing away]

We have tried and failed..

[iheartbda]

I agree. I've worked around the cruise industry for a long time and behind the scenes, this is exactly what I have been told numerous times...and it makes sense. First timers are the most valuable customers. Loyalty programs are there to fill in the gaps and to create cruise line champions...to entice more first timers.

I also agree. I worked in marketing for another type of entity and the emphasis was always on getting new blood. Do people really think that cruise lines have not studied in depth all the pros and cons of offfering cross status? If it was in their best interest, they would be doing it.

[loubetti]

I agree with the fact that a competing cruise line will not give you squat for your status elsewhere. Carnival is the worst within house. I'm top level on Cunard, and I heard I might get "past guest" status with them. However, on Celebrity, I am also top level (I forget the names; platinum, elite, whatever), but here I get Diamond on RCL, and have joined C&A, and that's how it shows my status. You don't get top level for top level between them. Diamond is not top level on RCL, but it is nice enough.

 

Yes, they all want NEW cruisers, as the market is not as well-tapped as you might think. However, you need to treat loyal pax well in house too. This isn't Vegas, where a competing cruise line is going to try to woo you over, unless you are dropping $5 million+ in ship casinos!

[ducklite]

I agree with the fact that a competing cruise line will not give you squat for your status elsewhere. Carnival is the worst within house. I'm top level on Cunard, and I heard I might get "past guest" status with them. However, on Celebrity, I am also top level (I forget the names; platinum, elite, whatever), but here I get Diamond on RCL, and have joined C&A, and that's how it shows my status. You don't get top level for top level between them. Diamond is not top level on RCL, but it is nice enough.

 

Yes, they all want NEW cruisers, as the market is not as well-tapped as you might think. However, you need to treat loyal pax well in house too. This isn't Vegas, where a competing cruise line is going to try to woo you over, unless you are dropping $5 million+ in ship casinos!

 

You don't have to drop that type of coin in Vegas for another casino to try to get your business. My MIL plays slots, and at most dollar machines. She is constantly getting other casinos sending her perk offers to get her to game with them.

[sullaRaffaello]

I could be wrong, but I think HAL awards 1 Star status for any first time HAL cruiser who has sailed on a Carnival Corp ship.

 

This is true. I got this my first time on HAL for having been on Cunard and Seabourn.

[mferranti]

I also agree. I worked in marketing for another type of entity and the emphasis was always on getting new blood. Do people really think that cruise lines have not studied in depth all the pros and cons of offfering cross status? If it was in their best interest, they would be doing it.

It's my impression that many posters think the lines put little thought into any of their decisions.

[lyannea]

Just thinking outside the box here, if there was an incentive to try a new cruiseline with some type of offer, other than status, such as:

If you've completed 7 cruises in the 24 months, you get (fill in the blank) on your first cruise with us.

[loubetti]

You don't have to drop that type of coin in Vegas for another casino to try to get your business. My MIL plays slots, and at most dollar machines. She is constantly getting other casinos sending her perk offers to get her to game with them.

 

Do you mean land based casinos or cruise ships? Sure, land based will do that for much less, and the cruise ships do that, but in house. Carnival recently did this with free cruise mailers to their past cruisers (just pay port fees and taxes).

 

Also, what does she do to get these offers? I don't think that MGM shares their player stats with Wynn, etc. Maybe I am wrong?

Edited July 3, 2014 by loubetti

[ducklite]

Do you mean land based casinos or cruise ships? Sure, land based will do that for much less, and the cruise ships do that, but in house. Carnival recently did this with free cruise mailers to their past cruisers (just pay port fees and taxes).

 

Also, what does she do to get these offers? I don't think that MGM shares their player stats with Wynn, etc. Maybe I am wrong?

 

As I said, Vegas. I'm not really sure--I know she now and then games at other casinos. I think there's some sharing going on between the airlines and casinos as well.

[Hlitner]

Seems to be a lot of forums on the subject around the net. Many people say it can't be done. Doesn't look like anyone has ever tried though. No reports of anyone being turned down for asking.

 

SA

 

To use the ole vernacular, "It ain't going to happen!" Why? I will explain. Lets take Celebrity as a good example since they have one of the best loyalty perks once you reach the Elite level. We are talking about 2 hours of free cocktails every evening, a special breakfast (with booze) every morning, priority tendering, etc. So lets say they offer this to you just be nice. Now you might have 1000 others on that ship who have cruised with Celebrity many times, but they still have not reached that Elite level. How do you explain to those folks (some of whom have more then 10 cruises with the line) that you are getting all these nice perks and they are not. So yes, they would make you happy, but they would alienate many more..some of whom would be angry enough to take their business elsewhere..

 

Hank