No more free drink coupon

[RuthlessBoss]

Your stateroom steward will bring you ice. Then you pour it into a glass over the ice. That's what you do with it. :)

 

Then put a squirt of MIO in it and voila, you have a fruit drink:D

[Wavesprite]

NOW, to take away that drink and give me a bottle of water....my thinking is Carnival doesn't respect my business or care whether they make me happy or not all they want is their money and to fill up cruises.... Carnival doesn't make me feel special, in fact, they hit me over the head with a water bottle instead.

 

 

Not everyone drinks alcohol. EVERYONE drinks water. I believe that this "cutback" that everyone is talking about could actually end up costing them more because almost EVERYONE will drink that water in the room. Pop that sucker open (that used to cost, what? $3.95?) and have a sip on a hot day.

 

This is the FUNNIEST thread to me!! People leaving a cruise line over ONE drink??

[Warm Breezes]

Now on my next cruise we will receive these 4 bottles of water. They will be room temperature to very warm. The 1 liter bottles will be too big to hold in one hand and the mouth will be too wide to actually drink from easily. What am I supposed to do with this most benevolent gift? It's a cop out and downgrade for sure. I am betting they hope most people won't touch them just as they said people didn't use their coupons.

 

 

I plan on asking for a bucket of ice to stick mine in and take it alone on my excursions. Plus for me as I normally don't bring any water to do this with and on hot days have sometimes wanted.

[Warm Breezes]

Been enjoying the drama... but I keep seeing people call this a "cutback" like Carnival is taking away something they have been doing for generations.. it is NOT a cutback. The free drink coupon has only been around for a couple of years (it surface after they changed to the VFIP loyalty model...

 

So it was something they tried and it isn't working out the way they had hoped or it was costing too much... so they are changing it. Get over it. Businesses do this all the time. It was not that great of a perk anyway. It had to be used during their brunch, which I was never a fan of anyway.. there is a cutback I'd like to see. get rid of the brunch.

 

 

Nooo....I like brunch :D.

[Warm Breezes]

I've seen a number posts stating that it was "just a drink". I disagree.

 

Many people who are disappointed in the change have also taken the time to describe how they used their coupons. In some form or fashion the couple or family would go to the MDR together to order their drinks and then would spend the time enjoying those drinks with their loved ones. Many even had very specific drinks they ordered every time, everything from smoothies, to fancy coffees, to an adult beverage. The coupons had worked their way into people's 'cruise traditions'.

 

Those coupons represented an opportunity to get together during the cruise with friends and family, get a drink, spend some quality time together, and create memories.

 

Yes, you can still do that. You can still get together and purchase your traditional drinks together - but it will not produce the same feeling as it does when everyone collects their coupons and gets together to go get their token free drink together.

 

So before you criticize someone for being disappointed in not getting a single free drink - find out how they used that coupon and if they had any traditions that went behind redeeming that coupon - then you will know what they loss when the coupon was taken away.

 

MY DH and I will still go to brunch and we may still order our drinks - but it will never have quite the same magic as it did when we would hand our coupons over giggling because we were getting a free Long Island Ice Tea with our brunch.

 

Since only one of our Carnival Cruises so far included the drink coupon, I guess it didn't get a chance to ingrain itself in our cruise "traditions":rolleyes:. Quite frankly we would have gone to the brunch to try it out whether we had the coupon or not. The drink was just a little bonus. We found out we liked the brunch and went the second sea day even without a coupon and enjoyed ourselves just as much as we did the first time with the coupon.

[Warm Breezes]

Some of you get the point and then there are others here that don't. Let me put it in another way......

 

When I get that coupon for the free drink in my mind I say this is very nice of Carnival recognizing me as a gold member and appreciating my business....and I look forward to the more better things that the next level will give me....I go get that drink and I say to myself thank you Carnival it was a nice touch.

 

NOW, to take away that drink and give me a bottle of water....my thinking is Carnival doesn't respect my business or care whether they make me happy or not all they want is their money and to fill up cruises.... Carnival doesn't make me feel special, in fact, they hit me over the head with a water bottle instead.

 

Its all about having that feeling that Carnival appreciates me being there.

 

Carnival could of handled this in a more respectful way, obviously they want to cut back they could of done it in a way that is reasonable such as:

1- Remain to give that drink but use smaller glasses

2- Keep the size glass and give us a coupon for 50% off the drink

3- Allow us to choose a bottle of water or a drink (I realize cabin stewards will be responsible for getting the water and delivering it to us, what they could of done is have a coupon that gives us a choice and we check what we want, in return, the cabin steward would either issue us the water bottle or a coupon for the complimentary drink)

 

That's because there is no point. You are taking a little thing, making it personal, and blowing it all out of proportion. "Let it Go".

[trvlgirlmq]

Your stateroom steward will bring you ice. Then you pour it into a glass over the ice. That's what you do with it. :)

 

But I can already do that on Lido. I still have to go get a glass from Lido to drink out of. There is absolutely no point to a bottle of water that is in my opinion little more than useless. They should have just not given anything to Red/Gold because them leaving it for Platinum/Diamond is an affront. As Lyndmar said I felt a little bit special for returning by getting that drink. Now I am just a pissed off customer with 2 non-refundable cruises booked. My reward to them will be $0 S&S balance on those cruises.

[Warm Breezes]

But I can already do that on Lido. I still have to go get a glass from Lido to drink out of. There is absolutely no point to a bottle of water that is in my opinion little more than useless. They should have just not given anything to Red/Gold because them leaving it for Platinum/Diamond is an affront. As Lyndmar said I felt a little bit special for returning by getting that drink. Now I am just a pissed off customer with 2 non-refundable cruises booked. My reward to them will be $0 S&S balance on those cruises.

 

:confused: It's not useless to us we plan on using it on excursions. It may be useless to you but the coupon was useless to many others. Carnival can't please everyone....

Edited January 30, 2015 by Warm Breezes

[iconoclast]

But I can already do that on Lido. I still have to go get a glass from Lido to drink out of. There is absolutely no point to a bottle of water that is in my opinion little more than useless. They should have just not given anything to Red/Gold because them leaving it for Platinum/Diamond is an affront. As Lyndmar said I felt a little bit special for returning by getting that drink. Now I am just a pissed off customer with 2 non-refundable cruises booked. My reward to them will be $0 S&S balance on those cruises.

 

Pretty sure they leave glasses in the staterooms for drinking water out of.

 

You can afford to book two cruises at the same time and are complaining about one drink?

 

Do you plan to cut the gratuities also, to punish the staff for this?

[sweetsixteencruisers]

But I can already do that on Lido. I still have to go get a glass from Lido to drink out of. There is absolutely no point to a bottle of water that is in my opinion little more than useless. They should have just not given anything to Red/Gold because them leaving it for Platinum/Diamond is an affront. As Lyndmar said I felt a little bit special for returning by getting that drink. Now I am just a pissed off customer with 2 non-refundable cruises booked. My reward to them will be $0 S&S balance on those cruises.

 

Your stateroom has glasses in it! No need to go to the lido for a glass.

 

I hope you enjoy your cruise. Doesn't look that way though, with such a negative attitude over a simple thing.

[firemanbobswife]

Not everyone drinks alcohol. EVERYONE drinks water. I believe that this "cutback" that everyone is talking about could actually end up costing them more because almost EVERYONE will drink that water in the room. Pop that sucker open (that used to cost, what? $3.95?) and have a sip on a hot day.

 

This is the FUNNIEST thread to me!! People leaving a cruise line over ONE drink??

 

Not everyone drinks water. I don't. The only time I drank water on any of my 13 cruises was last January on the Conquest when I had food poisoning. And I was forced to or go back to medical for an IV. I don't even drink the water at dinner.

 

I will not switch cruise lines because of this, but it does make Carnival look less favorable in my eyes.

 

I've said it before and I'll say it again. The issue I have with this is that they are using the sorry excuse that people complained that the coupon was too difficult to use. So instead of lifting the restriction, they did away with it all together for only Red and Gold members. Platinum and Diamond still get it, but yet have the same restriction in place.

 

So they act like they're giving us what we wanted by doing that and giving everyone a free bottle of water as basically a "booby prize". They just don't seem to comprehend the issue. They should have lifted the restriction on where the coupon could be used and/or allow it to be redeemed for the glorious bottle of low quality H2O.

[gfountain1]

This thread is turning into Team water vs Team Drink coupon.

 

I doubt anyone is considering switching lines over the actual drink, but more so the principal. My fiancé and I planned to buy into the cheers program anyways but this just sends a message that Carnivals VIFP benefits will continue to erode.

[Wavesprite]

But I can already do that on Lido. I still have to go get a glass from Lido to drink out of. There is absolutely no point to a bottle of water that is in my opinion little more than useless. They should have just not given anything to Red/Gold because them leaving it for Platinum/Diamond is an affront. As Lyndmar said I felt a little bit special for returning by getting that drink. Now I am just a pissed off customer with 2 non-refundable cruises booked. My reward to them will be $0 S&S balance on those cruises.

 

I'm curious how many cruises you've actually gone on? There are ALWAYS glasses left in the room. Those are the glasses that you will put your ice in and then pour your delicious free bottled water into.....no need to leave your room at all.

[diverdon48371]

I like the idea. Usually I brought a water bottle to take off the ship, now I don't have to. :)

 

When I pick a cruise, I check all of the lines and put together the pros and cons. I look at the price, cost, and ports... once I narrow it down to a couple of choices I look at the perks. I am platinum and my last cruise to Alaska was on Princess even though I really missed the free laundry. If I am paying big bucks for a cruise there are more important factors that I look at than if I will get a free drink(by the way I got no perks on Princess and still had a good time). I think it is funny that someone would want to cancel their cruise over a drink.

 

As far as the water, my response it Thank you carnival.

[richstowe]

Not everyone drinks alcohol. EVERYONE drinks water. I believe that this "cutback" that everyone is talking about could actually end up costing them more because almost EVERYONE will drink that water in the room. Pop that sucker open (that used to cost, what? $3.95?) and have a sip on a hot day.

 

This is the FUNNIEST thread to me!! People leaving a cruise line over ONE drink??

No the funniest thread will be Carnival changes course and goes back to a drink instead of water.

The howls and gnashing of teeth will be epic. Many of those that currently "will never cruise Carnival again"

will have another chance to never cruise Carnival again ! :D

[adaptabl]

Not everyone drinks alcohol. EVERYONE drinks water. I believe that this "cutback" that everyone is talking about could actually end up costing them more because almost EVERYONE will drink that water in the room. Pop that sucker open (that used to cost, what? $3.95?) and have a sip on a hot day.

 

This is the FUNNIEST thread to me!! People leaving a cruise line over ONE drink??

 

I think the problem most people have is Carnivals attitude that are doing the passengers a favour. If you are making a cutback say so. Don't try to sugar coat it and say they doing this because of customer complaints. The only complaints were about too many restrictions on the free drink. I know I would not use the water if I go back on a Carnival cruise. We have tried a couple of other lines and find we may be outgrowing Carnival.

[sjn911]

Not everyone drinks water. I don't. The only time I drank water on any of my 13 cruises was last January on the Conquest when I had food poisoning. And I was forced to or go back to medical for an IV. I don't even drink the water at dinner.

 

I will not switch cruise lines because of this, but it does make Carnival look less favorable in my eyes.

 

I've said it before and I'll say it again. The issue I have with this is that they are using the sorry excuse that people complained that the coupon was too difficult to use. So instead of lifting the restriction, they did away with it all together for only Red and Gold members. Platinum and Diamond still get it, but yet have the same restriction in place.

 

So they act like they're giving us what we wanted by doing that and giving everyone a free bottle of water as basically a "booby prize". They just don't seem to comprehend the issue. They should have lifted the restriction on where the coupon could be used and/or allow it to be redeemed for the glorious bottle of low quality H2O.

I came back to smooth over my point of liking the change..I so get it and have not read all of this since lat one...but I just love this one..and the way your put it...SINCERELY!!

 

I think really it is a snub to have been so wishy washy about the benefits at different levels..

I suppose in a tiny way this could be true...Carnival could get their reputation back being honest about business decisions when they are.. financial and when they are not in some way...but the nickel and diming in the freebies when almost everything costs extra is hard sto swallow..Loke the "gloruous water"..none of us including moi drink enough..really the soda industry got me in the 60's and my mom was not as tough as others..."sat nite only pop people"..so now it will be a health regime.

 

I don't think most people will stop Cruising carnival if it is what they can afford and style they still like..change is hard and HAS TO BE STRATEGIC

AND HONEST AND NOT BE ABOUT SHANGING IT AROUND ON THE LOYALTY THAT IS SO MUCH. (comment to Carnival).

 

We need to be cute like this and not go for the juggular an the discussions sometimes..i fall prey to it to whne my toes get smished...we all do..anyway I loved your sincerity and humor the way you put it..the disagreeing can be fun folks..

 

 

 

It really is not over

[familycruzinnewbie]

If they really thought customers didn't like the coupon and removing it wasn't a cutback, then they really should remove it for all passengers including platinum and diamond. Because at the end of the day they receive both. It would also be the best way for Carnival to judge the response to this change. Blue never received the coupon and Platinum and up still get it. Only red and gold lost it and red already lost the past guest party. People comment on how could someone leave a company over a free drink. Carnival is still working on building loyalty with the red and gold cruisers. They should be making moves to encourage loyalty not make them feel unappreciated. I have made no decisions on which cruise line I will book next and it may be Carnival, is may not. But VIFP means nothing.

 

And honestly this positive spin they try to put on everything really bugs me. This change had nothing to do with customer complaints. If they found it was costing them more, tied up too many staff running the bar outside the dining room whatever the case just be honest. It would be like your boss telling you they were eliminating two holiday days off because they found employees made too many complaints about spending time with the in-laws.

[Cruisegirl6]

We did just that today, RC gave us exclusive rates as we are platinum, I also got $100 additional off my cruise on top of that and $200 spending money/shipboard credit!! :D

 

I will continue to cruise carnival, but the only way I will is when they offer the premier cruise offer. I have to admit, Carnival's casino program is the best of any other cruise line. :)

Edited January 30, 2015 by lyndamr

[Pixelate]

And to those who are leaving to another line, you'll be back!

 

Not necessarily true.

[sjn911]

It really is not over

 

My computer jammed up and could not fix all my typing errors, diction, spelling, etc. i have chronic pain, arthritis, and bad technique.

 

Edit to finish..it is not over not because of all the ways folks can narrow it to ridiculous arguments..because it is the real sign of how folks treat the guy in the middle getting there..for loyalty...

 

Many shop for the different and best price at the time, especially solos getting best double prices...in mass market level..but thank God in this country there still is a mass market level and we are surely being bled out..really I can see the comparison to that in a way....a much larger issue but this mimics it...THEY NEED TO FIND A FAIR AND KIND LOYALTY PROGRAM AND NOT JUST AIM FOR THE LONG TIMERS AND NEWBIES.

Edited January 30, 2015 by sjn911

[Pixelate]

Been enjoying the drama... but I keep seeing people call this a "cutback" like Carnival is taking away something they have been doing for generations.. it is NOT a cutback. The free drink coupon has only been around for a couple of years (it surface after they changed to the VFIP loyalty model...

 

So it was something they tried and it isn't working out the way they had hoped or it was costing too much... so they are changing it. Get over it. Businesses do this all the time. It was not that great of a perk anyway. It had to be used during their brunch, which I was never a fan of anyway.. there is a cutback I'd like to see. get rid of the brunch.

 

It wasn't a cutback but they removed it because it was costing too much? :confused:

 

[Cruisegirl6]

Pixelate is correct NOPE unless its a comp that I will get from the casino.

 

Its not that I cruise Carnival because of the lower prices, it all boils down to one thing, you get what you pay for. I rather pay more to get more...if you should ask then why do I cruise carnival because I also take another cruise and take 3 land based vacations a year, why not, but cutting back the perks really put me to the edge, had enough of the cutbacks, and for me Carnival had more than any other cruise line.

Edited January 30, 2015 by lyndamr

[Dive Master]

Ok, let me put this into perspective....it is ONE DRINK. They gave water in exchange and could have given us a big fat nothing.

 

Bottom line is if it is really that important to you, than by all means take your money elsewhere. Ultimately that is what makes life great, choices.

 

A forty cent bottle of water is pretty much a big fat nothing to me.This feels like getting slapped in the face with a bottle of water to me.Just the principle of the thing. Will this cost Carnival future bookings with me, I don't really know at this point but I am not feeling much love right now.