Platinum members, your benefits are next...

[eponym]

Yes they do, and RCI had been a bit more daring as risk takers to try new things, while companies like Carnival have more or less sat back and watched and waited. Which there is nothing wrong with - playing it safer is not necessarily a bad thing. Carnival can watch and see what gimmicks and innovations work and which don't without spending their capital refitting a few ships as test beds. If other lines can make something work, they may or may not follow suit. One thing where Carnival Corp DID screw up, was the exclusion of backup generators on most, if not all of their ships, and it had been reported that under the questionable leadership of Gerry Cahill, Carnival Cruise Lines let a fair amount of maintenance slip, which MAY have contributed to the failures and malfunctions they had which led to such bad press. Speaking of bad press, I do think that Carnival does get a bad rap in the press. Princess has breakdowns, RCI has fires, they all have occasional collisions with each other, Carnival and RCI have breakdowns as well, yet Carny seems to get the most bad press of all of the major cruise lines. However, the bad press may not necessarily be that they had the problem to begin with, but rather how well or poorly they handled the situation.

 

We spend money to be on state of the art ships, like QUANTUM OF THE SEAS when they roll out. Amazing experiences. Worth it to us every time.

 

We also sail Carnival sometimes too, and feel a slightly bit more secure now that they have installed additional, redundant power systems on their boats.

 

I am ALWAYS amazed at the cruise industry itself as it not just specializes in one particular area, but has to be pretty good (or great) at many professions rolled into one recyclable container (ship).

 

When decisions about rates or benefits offered seem jumpy or hasty affecting volumes of customers, people tend to get turned off. I wouldn't sail again on Carnival unless it was a free offer and even that would have to be an overall compelling offer (total travel costs, etc..) for us to accept. We spend thousands per year on vacations, even sometimes on the free cruise offers and still spend a lot with the line, and certainly are NOT afraid to try new things.

Edited May 10, 2015 by eponym

[MrMileStoner]

Cookie cutter ships = Lower maintenance costs due to greater economies of scale.

 

Royal does pay more for ships leading to higher per berth cost. Day in and day out they can't compete with Carnival on price.

[BTromboneFrack]

I can see both sides of this issue. Nobody likes things taken away from them, but I'm not too worried about it. We are about to turn Gold, so the party was going to be something new for us. After reading all the threads about this issue, I started gathering some information about our first cruise with Carnival on the Festivale in 1991. When I checked the price for our trip on that grand ole' ship, it was actually HIGHER than our recent Aft wrap balcony room on the Liberty (Both cruises were New Year's cruises). AND, on the Festivale, there were no stabilizers, no giant screen movie screen, no hot tubs, few if any balconies, limited deck space, and tiny rooms. We had a GREAT time on the Festivale, but the Liberty had so much more to offer. Somebody has to pay for all that. I think Carnival has done a pretty good job over the last 25 years in giving everyone more bang for the buck. A cocktail party is OK, but I can have just as much fun (maybe more) finding my favorite place to watch the ocean with my wife and sip a drink as I reflect on a the wonderful week I just had sailing on the ocean. It doesn't get any better than that.

[oakleys]

I seriously don't get all the fuss about this kind of thing, we went to one. It's not a big deal. We never go, is it the free drink & snack people are so fanatic about. There's a reason i don't care about reviews for a reason, this kind of thing sends people into a frenzy & the whole cruise was just so upsetting I'll never book Carnival again!! Sob sob. :eek:

[elliair]

Originally Posted by midwestman

How sad of Carnival. The continual cost-cutting moves every year. I can remember not that long ago when all it took to be invited to the past guest party was one previous cruise. Now I read all the platinum and diamond members applauding the new restrictions on the past guest party, saying it is overcrowded now.

 

I would encourage you to look at your list of benefits and compare it to the benefits for Gold and Red. There is a lot there that Carnival can modify and take away. And considering all the areas Carnival has cut from over the past 5 years or so, I would like that list looks awfully cushy right now.

 

This move by Carnival shows how much they appreciate the return business. It surely is not what it used to be. And to take away a benefit from Gold members that they have already earned, and probably utilized is nothing short of insulting.

 

It's not insulting at all. I think it's to motivate people to cruise more to reach the platinum status. The party is not really a "benefit" it's more of a gesture of appreciation, but the venue has gotten out of control. As time goes on and there's more platinum and diamond people, they'll have to cut FTTF or eliminate the program all together as that group will become too large to handle for embarkation. The number of FTTF is already set as to how many platinum and diamond passengers are booked. So, when that happens, I'm sure we'll hear the squealing. Platinum and Diamond board before FTTF, and tender before FTTF. Just another program to go bye bye.

[eponym]

It's not insulting at all. I think it's to motivate people to cruise more to reach the platinum status. The party is not really a "benefit" it's more of a gesture of appreciation, but the venue has gotten out of control. As time goes on and there's more platinum and diamond people, they'll have to cut FTTF or eliminate the program all together as that group will become too large to handle for embarkation. The number of FTTF is already set as to how many platinum and diamond passengers are booked. So, when that happens, I'm sure we'll hear the squealing. Platinum and Diamond board before FTTF, and tender before FTTF. Just another program to go bye bye.

 

The venue is out of control? I didn't consider that. Perhaps they should have brought the venue under control first.

[RMcoolX]

I'd much have the drink coupon than that lame party. I'm a happy Gold.

 

The party may be lame, but after about my fourth drink, the lameness becomes SOOOOOO much more easy to deal with! :)

[scuabacruiser]

[quote name='midwestman']How sad of Carnival. The continual cost-cutting moves every year. I can remember not that long ago when all it took to be invited to the past guest party was one previous cruise. Now I read all the platinum and diamond members applauding the new restrictions on the past guest party, saying it is overcrowded now.

I would encourage you to look at your list of benefits and compare it to the benefits for Gold and Red. There is a lot there that Carnival can modify and take away. And considering all the areas Carnival has cut from over the past 5 years or so, I would like that list looks awfully cushy right now.[/quote]

Too late. When they started the program we have now, Platinum lost benefits. So everyone's choice is to continue with Carnival, leave or mix it up with other lines.

[ready2cruzagain]

[quote name='elliair']It's not insulting at all. I think it's to motivate people to cruise more to reach the platinum status. The party is not really a "benefit" it's more of a gesture of appreciation, but the venue has gotten out of control. [COLOR="Red"][B]As time goes on and there's more platinum and diamond people, they'll have to cut FTTF or eliminate the program all together as that group will become too large to handle for embarkation. [/B][/COLOR] The number of FTTF is already set as to how many platinum and diamond passengers are booked. So, when that happens, I'm sure we'll hear the squealing. Platinum and Diamond board before FTTF, and tender before FTTF. Just another program to go bye bye.[/QUOTE]

I think that Carnival would never cut FTTF due to the fact that they are making a lot of money on it. My thoughts are that they would cut the benefits of the Platinum/Diamonds so that they could sell more FTTF.

[dhill]

I know it really stinks heres Carnival selling a product for next to nothing and they wont give us everything for free :eek: How cheap can people be stop expecting the world to be handed to you on a silver platter :eek:OH we are so special because the only vaction we can take is on the same cruise line over and over again.Roll out the red carpet have the Caption kiss are feet and give us every thing we want for free because we are entiltled. I m glad the cruise lines are going after new customers I think it will make for a better cruise experience out with the old in with the new.:D

[mintsugarcube]

[quote name='RMcoolX']The party may be lame, but after about my fourth drink, the lameness becomes SOOOOOO much more easy to deal with! :)[/QUOTE]

Agreed! And I really don't understand how free alcohol can be considered "lame" if you are a drinker :rolleyes: Maybe jealousy?

[Luckysll]

I'm Platinum and the only change that has bothered me is the slot tournament entry.

Entries were $20 and when you got to Platinum you'd get an entry free. I think I got to use that perk once and the next time I cruised, they'd changed it to "buy one, get one free". Sure there's a free entry, but I still had to pay $20 to get it.

Plus, on the last cruise, they'd raised the slot tournament entry fee to $25.

May not seem much, but they get enough of my money in the casino, so it was the one perk I was really looking forward to.

[love my grandkids]

[quote name='Luckysll']I'm Platinum and the only change that has bothered me is the slot tournament entry.

Entries were $20 and when you got to Platinum you'd get an entry free. I think I got to use that perk once and the next time I cruised, they'd changed it to "buy one, get one free". Sure there's a free entry, but I still had to pay $20 to get it.

Plus, on the last cruise, they'd raised the slot tournament entry fee to $25.

May not seem much, but they get enough of my money in the casino, so it was the one perk I was really looking forward to.[/QUOTE]

Do miss the free admission to B/J tourney.:(

[nealstuber]

[quote name='eponym']I suggest reading this very recent article from the Wall Street Journal found here:

[url]http://blogs.wsj.com/cio/2015/04/30/carnival-strategy-chief-bets-that-big-data-will-optimize-prices/?mod=yahoo_hs[/url][/QUOTE]

Just read the article, does not even mention loyalty programs as a revenue optimization tool, reinforcing my point that customer loyalty programs for pleasure travelers are really more about saying "thank you" while similar programs for business travelers are clearly geared towards getting repeat business.

The article did make me wonder if there might be some marginal benefit to Carnival Corp in establishing a loyalty program that reached across its brands. With more ships under its corporate umbrella than the other guys it would seem like it would make sense if the perks had a reasonable RIO. The fact that they haven't done this again makes me think that loyalty programs for pleasure travel are really just a cost without much benefit to the line in terms of repeat business.

Bottom line is whomever is paying for the cruise ultimately is paying for the perks. Kind of like when my kids went shopping for my birthday present.. with my credit card. :rolleyes:

[maldenmusic]

I don't cruise for some kind of loyalty program. I cruise because I enjoy it. Just my opinion.

[camper49]

[quote name='Luckysll']I'm Platinum and the only change that has bothered me is the slot tournament entry.

Entries were $20 and when you got to Platinum you'd get an entry free. I think I got to use that perk once and the next time I cruised, they'd changed it to "buy one, get one free". Sure there's a free entry, but I still had to pay $20 to get it.

Plus, on the last cruise, they'd raised the slot tournament entry fee to $25.

May not seem much, but they get enough of my money in the casino, so it was the one perk I was really looking forward to.[/QUOTE]

That is the one perk I miss too! Never entered a tournament after it changed to the BOGO. Can't complain though....I actually won a tournament!

[MissyMac13]

There are some great perks for being Platinum. Having said that, I don't cruise Carnival because they offer the best perks. I cruise Carnival because it gives me the best value for my vacation dollars. As far as the perks, I enjoy the priority embarkation and free laundry. The other things are nice, but not high on my list. The past guest parties are also nice but on the last few cruises, were very crowded.

[Maraprince]

[quote name='maldenmusic']I don't cruise for some kind of loyalty program. I cruise because I enjoy it. Just my opinion.[/QUOTE]

Amen to that!

Anything the cruise line chooses to give me as a "free" item is fine with me. If I do not like it, someone back home will enjoy it and appreciate it. It makes me feel that it is being put to good use.

Since I do not drink alcohol, the free drink coupon will be used for one of the specialty coffees as it used to be when we had the free brunch drink coupon. Too bad you have to wait for the last sea day to use it. So much goes on during the last sea day!

MARAPRINCE

[Jamman54]

[quote name='love my grandkids']Do miss the free admission to B/J tourney.:([/QUOTE]

[quote name='camper49']That is the one perk I miss too! Never entered a tournament after it changed to the BOGO. Can't complain though....I actually won a tournament![/QUOTE]

[SIZE="4"][COLOR="DarkGreen"]We like playing in both the BJ and slot tournaments, so nothing has changed for us, except them raising the entry to $25. But you can re-buy into the same tournament for $15.[/COLOR][/SIZE]

[mouche]

I'm at Gold status and I could care less about the party, I much rather have the drink coupon. I must say as long as the price stays competitive or lower I don't mind a few cuts to loyalty programs.

I bet if the prices start going up drastically the same people upset now would be complaining that they should have cut the freebies. Just my 2 cents.

[jimbo5544]

[quote name='nealstuber']Just read the article, does not even mention loyalty programs as a revenue optimization tool, reinforcing my point that customer loyalty programs for pleasure travelers are really more about saying "thank you" while similar programs for business travelers are clearly geared towards getting repeat business.

The article did make me wonder if there might be some marginal benefit to Carnival Corp in establishing a loyalty program that reached across its brands. With more ships under its corporate umbrella than the other guys it would seem like it would make sense if the perks had a reasonable RIO. The fact that they haven't done this again makes me think that loyalty programs for pleasure travel are really just a cost without much benefit to the line in terms of repeat business.

Bottom line is whomever is paying for the cruise ultimately is paying for the perks. Kind of like when my kids went shopping for my birthday present.. with my credit card. :rolleyes:[/QUOTE]

I agree with your cross brands thought. I think the reason they have not gotten there is the bast discrepncies in all their programs. Certainly not rocket science though, makes you wonder why they have not gone there.

[HectorAchilleus]

[quote name='ready2cruzagain']I think that Carnival would never cut FTTF due to the fact that they are making a lot of money on it. My thoughts are that they would cut the benefits of the Platinum/Diamonds so that they could sell more FTTF.[/QUOTE]

This would not surprise me. They could then offer the "perk" of offering First to the Fun for sale to Plats/Diamonds before it goes to the general public. They will have to do something. Before FTTF, there would be 10-12 people in the lobby waiting for tendering. The last cruise we were on there were between 80-100, most of the FTTF people. They did not prioritize by diamonds, plats, etc. and we had to take the next tender- no big deal, but it shows how benefits to Plats/diamonds have already been diluted. In two of the last five cruises, the FTTF people boarded with the plats/diamonds even though being asked to wait. Again, no big deal - it just shows how all groups have been affected by the cutbacks.

[makeda]

[quote name='maldenmusic']I don't cruise for some kind of loyalty program. I cruise because I enjoy it. Just my opinion.[/QUOTE]

EXACTLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

and I like carnival!

[eponym]

[quote name='nealstuber']Just read the article, does not even mention loyalty programs as a revenue optimization tool, reinforcing my point that customer loyalty programs for pleasure travelers are really more about saying "thank you" while similar programs for business travelers are clearly geared towards getting repeat business.

The article did make me wonder if there might be some marginal benefit to Carnival Corp in establishing a loyalty program that reached across its brands. With more ships under its corporate umbrella than the other guys it would seem like it would make sense if the perks had a reasonable RIO. The fact that they haven't done this again makes me think that loyalty programs for pleasure travel are really just a cost without much benefit to the line in terms of repeat business.

Bottom line is whomever is paying for the cruise ultimately is paying for the perks. Kind of like when my kids went shopping for my birthday present.. with my credit card. :rolleyes:[/QUOTE]

All very valid points, I agree, and some I have posted in threads on the board.

But, most everything in modern business is becoming performance driven. I find it difficult to believe a publicly traded firm doesn't or won't examine optimizing those marketing and perk programs too especially during growth/expansion phases. Cruising is also growing in popularity for businesses and conferences.

Agree, some fixed cost benefits/perks simply aren't directly ROI driven, like handing out ship pin novelties or chocolates on beds. Many of they offered benefits like on board laundry or expedited boarding have no additional costs.

My sense for the last few years is that they will eventually roll up the programs/offerings across their brands, similar to the Ocean Players Club changes they made for gaming.

For some of their brands and levels they could sweeten up the perks, for others roll them back once standardized into participant levels.

It is not rocket science and whatever the offers/perks/benefits framework becomes, the Corporation overall will certainly be competitive. Edited May 12, 2015 by eponym

[xeroxme]

[quote name='love my grandkids']This diamond member is not applauding and thinks it is wrong.



They could have made past guest as three parties if they wanted this is just another cost cutting move.[/QUOTE]


A wise, fair and understanding person you are. Simple fact of life is people don't like things taken from them no matter what it is. I hope they never do but if the removed all the perks diamond or platinum get or throw away the loyalty program the screaming would be 10x what we are hearing on this! Lol