speculation on change to the vifp program past guest party

[Out to sea!]

Our story on the loyalty program changes: http://www.cruisecritic.com/news/news.cfm?ID=6347

 

How did the story change?? :confused:

[Budget Queen]

I am so disappointed right now. My Alaska cruise leaves on 5/18, so I am missing the party by 3 days! I was so looking forward to it. It is actually the first time my husband qualifies for the party :(. I am so disappointed by Carnival right now. The other changes weren't making me consider other lines, but this one is. I really enjoyed the parties. Royal Caribbean does a lot more to reward loyalty.

 

But this Carnival itinerary really is great, and RCI doesn't offer anything close. Maybe look at the reason, you chose this cruise to begin with? Was it "oh" the 5-18 cruise with Carnival is the one, I can't wait to go to the 45 minute repeater party? Or was it the choice after looking at the itinerary? I think your "disappointment" is a little enhanced compared to the 8 days of vacation sailing.

Edited May 6, 2015 by Budget Queen

[katiel53]

I think that many cruisers have done this to themselves. I know my position won't be a popular one, but here goes anyway. At the few parties I have attended, I have seen many people who were not invited, but came with someone who was gold, platinum or diamond. I know this because when the person running the party asked how many were on their first cruise, many admitted that it was their first cruise.

 

My other thought is that people, and I have to say mostly young, (nothing against young people) that felt they needed to get drunk at the party and have as many drinks as possible. Some guests reported that they never got a drink because people were taking drinks off the waiters trays before they got to areas that weren't served. The reason I said young is that most older/mature people don't feel the need to get as many drinks in 45 minutes so they have drinks for later.

 

I know when people asked about bringing a guest, on here so many times posters said sure you are allowed a guest or guests. I know that JH also said that a family member could attend with a guest, but that wasn't/isn't the policy of Carnival. Even if one guest , ie significant other, cabinmate or whatever, that didn't mean that in a quad all 4 people were invited etc. It also didn't mean everyone in the family in other cabins were invited. An invitation to one person was meant for that one person. If both in a cabin were gold or above, both got invitations.

 

I sail frequently on Royal Caribbean and have had access to the Concierge lounge all day based on my status with them. Now, only suite occupants have that and Diamond Plus guests are able to use the lounge only in the evening. I read about this when people were discussing their new ships. I haven't sailed them, but, to me, that is about the same or worse than stopping gold members. Lots fewer days/cruises to get to Gold than Diamond Plus.

 

Lots of changes have been made to the loyalty programs on Carnival and not all for the good of the passengers, but good for Carnival as a business. I am sure there will be some fall out from this, but there will be others to take your place and that's what Carnival is counting on.

 

I probably am wrong, but I don't think Carnival is going to care that a gold member, staying in an inside cabin, sneaking their own booze on the ship and not spending much money is going to be a loss to them. I think eventually the loyalty program will be based on money spent rather than days spent as there are many Platinums who said an inside cabin, got there by 10 3 day cruises in the old days, don't spend money on excursions, pictures, alcohol or the casino. No cruise line wants that kind of business, so if those in that group stop sailing Carnival, the cruise line will be far ahead dollar wise. NCL already does things based on dollars spent on cabins as an example.

 

Sorry for the rant, but I just get tired of all the complaining when in fact it's a lot of the cruisers who have brought the "cutbacks" on themselves. Not all of them though, and I do understand that, but if you are one of those causing the changes, then you have no right to complain.

 

I know I will get flamed and I expect it, but that won't change my opinions as they are my opinions.

[kona_wahine]

Other than free drinks, missing the party really isn't missing anything. We turned gold last month and went. Food was bad, drinks were good. Entertainment, well, there is plenty all over the ship. Video of all the ships, who cares. I probably wouldn't go back anyway. I do think the free drink coupon only being good last sea day after 5:00 is a bunch of hooey. It's like they are trying to make sure everyone doesn't use it. Well, I will make sure I use mine!!

Edited May 6, 2015 by kona_wahine

[Elmo31]

Just curious.....when does this take effect

[SMSACE6]

Just curious.....when does this take effect

 

may 15th

[eponym]

may 15th

 

Not at the beginning of a month, or at a 60 or 90 day notice cycle. It's a nine day implementation cycle from announcement date.

 

It's a fabulous, if not rather disgraceful blunder.

Edited May 6, 2015 by eponym

[augustonchick]

I think that many cruisers have done this to themselves. I know my position won't be a popular one, but here goes anyway. At the few parties I have attended, I have seen many people who were not invited, but came with someone who was gold, platinum or diamond. I know this because when the person running the party asked how many were on their first cruise, many admitted that it was their first cruise.

 

My other thought is that people, and I have to say mostly young, (nothing against young people) that felt they needed to get drunk at the party and have as many drinks as possible. Some guests reported that they never got a drink because people were taking drinks off the waiters trays before they got to areas that weren't served. The reason I said young is that most older/mature people don't feel the need to get as many drinks in 45 minutes so they have drinks for later.

 

I know when people asked about bringing a guest, on here so many times posters said sure you are allowed a guest or guests. I know that JH also said that a family member could attend with a guest, but that wasn't/isn't the policy of Carnival. Even if one guest , ie significant other, cabinmate or whatever, that didn't mean that in a quad all 4 people were invited etc. It also didn't mean everyone in the family in other cabins were invited. An invitation to one person was meant for that one person. If both in a cabin were gold or above, both got invitations.

 

I sail frequently on Royal Caribbean and have had access to the Concierge lounge all day based on my status with them. Now, only suite occupants have that and Diamond Plus guests are able to use the lounge only in the evening. I read about this when people were discussing their new ships. I haven't sailed them, but, to me, that is about the same or worse than stopping gold members. Lots fewer days/cruises to get to Gold than Diamond Plus.

 

Lots of changes have been made to the loyalty programs on Carnival and not all for the good of the passengers, but good for Carnival as a business. I am sure there will be some fall out from this, but there will be others to take your place and that's what Carnival is counting on.

 

I probably am wrong, but I don't think Carnival is going to care that a gold member, staying in an inside cabin, sneaking their own booze on the ship and not spending much money is going to be a loss to them. I think eventually the loyalty program will be based on money spent rather than days spent as there are many Platinums who said an inside cabin, got there by 10 3 day cruises in the old days, don't spend money on excursions, pictures, alcohol or the casino. No cruise line wants that kind of business, so if those in that group stop sailing Carnival, the cruise line will be far ahead dollar wise. NCL already does things based on dollars spent on cabins as an example.

 

Sorry for the rant, but I just get tired of all the complaining when in fact it's a lot of the cruisers who have brought the "cutbacks" on themselves. Not all of them though, and I do understand that, but if you are one of those causing the changes, then you have no right to complain.

 

I know I will get flamed and I expect it, but that won't change my opinions as they are my opinions.

 

I agree with the above, no flaming from me. The invitation doesn't say plus 1,2,3.....10. Carnival needs to stop worrying about offending people, and turn guests away if they don't have an invite.

 

I recently cruised with mother on another line, it being my first cruise with them. While she went to her loyalty party, I put on my "big girl panties" and found something to do by myself.

[CruiseHealing]

it really seems that Carnival just wants to claim the title of "cheap cruise".

 

Cheap Cruise? On my Carnival cruises, when checking in, I am brought into a lounge to relax; with cookies and lemonade. I get a nice gift during the cruise, plus chocolate covered strawberries, an express lane at Guest Services, free laundry services, express luggage delivery, first on/first off the ship and a Platinum & Diamond Return Cruise Party with free drinks and apps.

 

Book more cruises and reach Platinum level as soon as you can.

Edited May 7, 2015 by CruiseHealing

[KatieCharlotte]

 

Book more cruises and reach Platinum level as soon as you can.

 

And shall I leave my job (self-employed so no paid vacations), my husband (works two jobs where people depend on him) and my kids (teen can't miss school), to drive across the country to a cruise port, for the fifty more cruise nights that I need to be Platinum? Sounds simple. I do have some money saved. It's supposed to be for my kids' college education, but oh well.

Edited May 7, 2015 by KatieCharlotte

[bruadhin]

Cheap Cruise? On my Carnival cruises, when checking in, I am brought into a lounge to relax; with cookies and lemonade. I get a nice gift during the cruise, plus chocolate covered strawberries, an express lane at Guest Services, free laundry services, express luggage delivery, first on/first off the ship and a Platinum & Diamond Return Cruise Party with free drinks and apps.

 

Book more cruises and reach Platinum level as soon as you can.

 

Don't worry, they will take those away from you too in time.

[42CruiseCrazy]

That is exactly my position. It would have been our first chance to attend one. It would have been nice and to feel that Carnival valued us as repeat guests.

 

It probably wouldn't be so bad if John hadn't promoted it as a fun change. Yes, we all know that was a complete lie, but it still makes it feel worse when it is anything but a fun change.

 

I believe at this point, we actually received more "perks" as a Red guest on our last cruise than we will as a Gold guest on this cruise.

 

At this point, it really seems that Carnival just wants to claim the title of "cheap cruise". Cheap is only good so long, eventually you need to deliver some value.

 

Excellent Post! You nailed it. Why even have a Loyalty Program if the end result is the largest group of members are made to feel unappreciated. Carnival - if you make the Gold members unhappy there won't be any Platinum and Diamond members in the future. Think about it. :(

[xeroxme]

Get rid of the loyalty programs period. Why should other cruiser pay more so diamond and platinum get extra perks just because they sailed with the same line. If they can't afford the old captains parties for all the guests they should just scratch the whole program. Maybe the savings will help offset the need to charge for room service etc. MDR food choice could be better. Why should anyone have to wait behind a platinum or diamond just because they cruised more with them. Sounds likes social classes like the old titanic. Service and amenities should be equal.

[bruadhin]

Excellent Post! You nailed it. Why even have a Loyalty Program if the end result is the largest group of members are made to feel unappreciated. Carnival - if you make the Gold members unhappy there won't be any Platinum and Diamond members in the future. Think about it. :(

 

Exactly. Carnival made it loud and clear how much they appreciate my repeat business. I even called Carnival yesterday. No response.

 

Right now my vacation dollars are looking for a new home. Our cruise is paid for and we will definitely enjoy it. But Carnival put themselves at the back of the line for our next vacation.

[eponym]

There is no more speculation. The thread should be closed. I did notice that this board completely deleted an entire thread today that had a hundred posts (or more) on it. It was called "Upset about VIFP? Unfollow John Heald."

 

If the thread does not resurface, which I can not seem to find as of this moment, it would be a blunder the operators of this board have made by intentionally removing the entire thread in an effort to to protect Carnival and suppressing open discussions. Another oddity this week.

 

John Heald is not a private citizen in his paid, public figure capacity.

[destiny217]

If you are planning to jump ship, better read all the changes happening over at NCL. I guess we should all research before booking any cruise line. :eek:

[eponym]

If you are planning to jump ship, better read all the changes happening over at NCL. I guess we should all research before booking any cruise line. :eek:

 

Well, NCL is only one option.

[destiny217]

NCL is the one I know about but that's why I added we should research all cruise lines.

[eponym]

NCL is the one I know about but that's why I added we should research all cruise lines.

 

Sounds good. That is what real people do.

[xeroxme]

There is no more speculation. The thread should be closed. I did notice that this board completely deleted an entire thread today that had a hundred posts (or more) on it. It was called "Upset about VIFP? Unfollow John Heald."

 

If the thread does not resurface, which I can not seem to find as of this moment, it would be a blunder the operators of this board have made by intentionally removing the entire thread in an effort to to protect Carnival and suppressing open discussions. Another oddity this week.

 

John Heald is not a private citizen in his paid, public figure capacity.

 

 

I am equally concerned. Good point!

[sue100]

Do all 4 of us in a room with gold member status give us 4 waters in our stateroom

[eponym]

Do all 4 of us in a room with gold member status give us 4 waters in our stateroom

 

Sure, last I knew you would but check the Carnival website for EXACT benefits.

Edited May 7, 2015 by eponym

[CCLCruiser4321]

It's just a stupid movie and some free drinks. Besides if you're cruisers you'll be platinum soon anyway. I will say it's the fault of the old vip program someone could be platinum with 10 cruises of any length.

[42CruiseCrazy]

It's just a stupid movie and some free drinks. Besides if you're cruisers you'll be platinum soon anyway. I will say it's the fault of the old vip program someone could be platinum with 10 cruises of any length.

 

 

I kind of agree that the past guest party is just a pep rally and perhaps I am an exception but I attend those parties not just to get a free drink but it's my way of thanking them and acknowledging Carnival for my wonderful vacations with them.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Zeta3]

I can understand being disappointed in the change for Gold level members but the level of anger and hostility that some people are showing over the loss of a rum punch and some chicken croquettes is kind of scary.