Benefit of being Platinum?

[INCHARGE]

One other perk beside the laundry is being able to request a nice table in the MDR. I send a nice email before my cruises, explaining how we like to be on the lower level, in order to see the dancing and singing, and asking if it was possible to be seated in the open area there. The Maître D came over on my last cruise, and asked "who is Gloria?" He then showed me my email, and asked me if I was happy with the table location. Very nice man, and we had an excellent table. I appreciated the priority seating. Same was true at the steakhouse.

 

I love the Miami Lounge, as they had finger sandwiches, lemonaide, and cookies on my last surmise from there. A nice little snack while waiting. That was before FTTF, because I dont think that area is big enough for too many people, unless they enlarged the room.

 

My experience with boarding has been great, Diamond, Platinum, and FTTF. However, if someone is ahead of me who is FTTF, no big deal. I am going on a cruise, so I'm happy.

Edited June 29, 2015 by INCHARGE

[wemjam]

FYI, not "stretching" anything thin. Happened exactly as I stated.

 

Most recent cruises:

 

On one, we went to the main door in Miami and showed them (and said) we were Platinum Priority - they put us in the VIP line.... it was twice as long as the regular line getting on. Asked a few people around us, and they said they were the FTTF. When we got to the VIP room, again, we were asked for our name and asked to have a seat. Watched at least 5-6 groups check in before us getting - blue, red, gold cards, then then they called us. Once we were done checking in, they indicated we could join those boarding outside the room. Went out and they had just called another "boarding" group, and we had to merge into the tail end of it - took the better part of 20 minutes or more to make it on from there.

 

On another, Tampa, we went to the VIP area (which isn't really a room), and it was packed and there was a line waiting. Was asked to see our boarding pass, and told them we were Platinum VIP, they moved us to a regular check in desk line and we waited in line behind other guests for 20-30 minutes and then finally checked in. All the while, I watched others coming away from the VIP desks with red, blue, gold cards in their hand.

 

As I said, just very frustrating. This has been our experience now for the last few cruises...

 

PS: And yes, my understanding is the FTTF price of $50-$60 is per cabin, not per room. So, $50 can buy a cabin of 4 FTTF

Edited June 29, 2015 by wemjam

[SadieN]

wenjam----

At times our carpool cruise buddies are onboard before we are. They've gone thru the regular line and we get 'special' treatment. Lol.

[N2Mischief]

On our last cruise we spent a lot of time in line at the customer service desk as our shower kept backing up. There would be about 4-5 employees helping guests. 4 for the regular line and 1 for the FTTF and Platinum/Diamond line. The Platinum/Diamond line only had a few people in it and the regular line was much longer, but the regular line moved much quicker..

 

As an experiment, I stood in the regular line and DH stood in the Platinum line. We did this 3 times. All three times the regular line moved quicker and I was helped before my husband in the Platinum line.

 

I am not snobby, but I do think with all the money we have spent on cruising we have earned our Platinum...we are not rich and we sacrifice a lot in order to cruise. It is very frustrating to see all the red and blue cards in front of us in the Platinum line.

 

If the line moved more quickly than the other line it wouldn't be an issue. They really need to put more employees on the FTTF/Platinum/Diamond line when it gets too busy.

[Captain Carnival]

Here at Port Tampa Bay there is a separate check in line for FTTF and another for Priority Guests (Diamond/Platinum/Suites). Additionally only the aforementioned "priority" guests sit in the lounge and the FTTF guests sit with the zone number guests too.

 

As for the boarding order there is a clearly defined order that is strictly enforced as follows:

 

Wedding Guests

Diamond

Platinum

Suites

FTTF

Special Needs (Ambulatory)

Number Zones

Edited June 29, 2015 by Captain Carnival

[maxydu]

You might need to speak up.....in Miami, I asked where do I go because I think I get to board before the FTTF as I am Platinum. The lady said " walk next to me when I come out the door" which I did. Got on after the wedding parties and Diamond guests......

 

Express yourself! Then have fun.............

[love my grandkids]

FYI, not "stretching" anything thin. Happened exactly as I stated.

 

Most recent cruises:

 

On one, we went to the main door in Miami and showed them (and said) we were Platinum Priority - they put us in the VIP line.... it was twice as long as the regular line getting on. Asked a few people around us, and they said they were the FTTF. When we got to the VIP room, again, we were asked for our name and asked to have a seat. Watched at least 5-6 groups check in before us getting - blue, red, gold cards, then then they called us. Once we were done checking in, they indicated we could join those boarding outside the room. Went out and they had just called another "boarding" group, and we had to merge into the tail end of it - took the better part of 20 minutes or more to make it on from there.

 

On another, Tampa, we went to the VIP area (which isn't really a room), and it was packed and there was a line waiting. Was asked to see our boarding pass, and told them we were Platinum VIP, they moved us to a regular check in desk line and we waited in line behind other guests for 20-30 minutes and then finally checked in. All the while, I watched others coming away from the VIP desks with red, blue, gold cards in their hand.

 

As I said, just very frustrating. This has been our experience now for the last few cruises...

 

PS: And yes, my understanding is the FTTF price of $50-$60 is per cabin, not per room. So, $50 can buy a cabin of 4 FTTF

 

Rather annoying when platinum and diamond doesnt mean anything.

[Wheels87]

The secret to getting an abundance of free drinks at the past guest party is to give the first server who waits on you a $5 bill. I have been to many past guest parties and always found myself struggling to finish all of the drinks I had in front of me.

 

Good luck!

 

Brad

[mzloolue]

Being Platinum is okay.

It used to be a bit cooler, but whatever.

 

I never thought that I would make it to Platinum so it was kind of exciting to actually get there.

 

On one cruise we were not sure that our son had made it back on board.

He had gone back in Progreso to get a piece of jewelry that his fiancé had admired and he wanted to surprise her.

DH was getting money and passports together just in case.

(If you have ever had one of your kids get left on the dock, then you can appreciate the panic we were descending into at that point.)

 

Then I thought about asking at the Purser's Desk.

There were a lot of people in the regular line, but none in the Platinum line.

I hurried up there and found, to my great relief, that he was on board.

Just for that one instance being Platinum proved invaluable.

[HectorAchilleus]

LOL - Too funny, and all true! Seriously though, I have read some other posts about FTTF mentioning that they go on "after" the Platinum and Diamond guests, so I am wondering if the chaos I am encountering has more to do with our arrival time or something? We have always tried to get to the port around 11-11:30 as we have always been under the impression that boarding doesn't start until this time or later. I am thinking now if we want to be in that first group we need to arrive earlier.. then it will just be Platinum members etc?

 

Old timers at this and we are used to the days when they wouldn't even let you start boarding the ship until like almost 1pm.

 

On two of the last three cruises that we went on, FTTF boarded at the same time as Platinum and Diamonds. On one, they escorted us on first. There is also a change on priority tendering. It used to be that there would be 10-15 people waiting for the first tender. On our last two cruises, there were over 100. I do not blame FTTF people; I would buy it myself, if I were not Platinum. The program does, though, diminish the loyalty program considerably.

[Towel Critter]

I dunno, JMHO, but FTTF doesn't detract from anything for me. We still get to wait in the lounge, seated, instead of standing in line, still get free laundry, still get priority tendering, etc... We certainly wouldn't turn in the platinum card to purchase perks. In fact, we never did. We just waited, and cruised, until it was free. Having the perks for free is something the FTTF crowd can never purchase. :-) note* I am a lowly Gold, married to a Platinum. Just as good, in fact better, since I got the perks faster that way. :-) I will still be six days short of platinum after our upcoming cruise, yet I enjoyed priority boarding the last two cruises.

[love my grandkids]

On two of the last three cruises that we went on, FTTF boarded at the same time as Platinum and Diamonds. On one, they escorted us on first. There is also a change on priority tendering. It used to be that there would be 10-15 people waiting for the first tender. On our last two cruises, there were over 100. I do not blame FTTF people; I would buy it myself, if I were not Platinum. The program does, though, diminish the loyalty program considerably.

 

It did cheapen the loyalty program. First they took stuff away and than they let people who are not platinum buy perks

[cruzn buckeye]

My opinion is if they let others buy the perks that we earned as Platinum, it definitely cheapened the loyalty program. So what if they pay?? I payed over years and years of cruising... everyone has a loyalty program... there is nothing wrong with that... but it is wrong when they let others buy the same, if not most important , perks that Platinum get.

[snc_cam]

I will soon be on both sides of the issue. I have purchased FTTF for the past 5 cruises and have enjoyed getting on the ship early and have used the tender boarding twice. I have also gone to the Guest Services desk using the P/D/FTTF area a few times. Will I feel different when I get to Platinum this winter... no. Platinum has a few other perks that don't come with FTTF that interest me. Do I still get to board early? Yes. and in front of the FTTF folks.

 

But this is my opinion and I am glad Carnival made the ability to get it. It is limited to 60-75 people per cruise which is a very small percentage of the cruise population. And on one recent cruise, there were over 800 Dia/Plat people and only 60 FTTF. So, not too much time savings getting on earlier :)

[Son of a son of a ...]

P&Ds don't bring in any more revenue that a blue or red card. FTTF actually adds revenue so expect the "purchased status" to continue and perhaps expand.

[near the beach]

You got to enjoy a lot of cruises!

Ditto!

 

Actually it is priority not guaranteed dining times.

 

As for FTTF people can pay as much as they want to board the ship behind me. However they are pay more than the people just behind them.

Edited June 30, 2015 by near the beach

[dmdiver]

Don't get too excited. You get a single bottle of water in your stateroom for free. It is a fairly new change. (That is now the sole benefit of being a Red cruiser. Gold also gets a hard to use free drink coupon the final night and a pin. Platinum is the first level that really gets anything worthwhile.)

 

http://www.carnival.com/loyalty/benefits.aspx

 

 

The drink coupon was not hard to use at all. We had a drink during the comedy show. It can be used anywhere after 5pm the last night. I've seen several people whining about that particular restriction and I just have to wonder if they go in their cabin & never leave again after 5pm. You can order your drink at dinner or have an after dinner drink at any of the bars. I really don't see what the big deal is.

[bwelborn]

If a loyalty program is what you are looking for in a cruise line, Carnival would not be the one to choose. I like Carnival and have cruised with them the most, but their loyalty program is bare bones. As you have found, achieving Platinum status does not come with tremendous reward.

[skittl1321]

The drink coupon was not hard to use at all. We had a drink during the comedy show. It can be used anywhere after 5pm the last night. I've seen several people whining about that particular restriction and I just have to wonder if they go in their cabin & never leave again after 5pm. You can order your drink at dinner or have an after dinner drink at any of the bars. I really don't see what the big deal is.

 

I think the big deal is it is a silly restriction, and a lot of people probably forget to use it because it is so limited in when you can use it. Carnival is too cheap to just give you a drink coupon that you can use anytime during the cruise. Or even on the last day.

 

Me personally, I am almost always in bed by 9:00 the last night of the cruise- because I have a really really long drive the next day. So I get a 4 hour window to remember to have a drink in. Hopefully I'll remember to bring it to dinner... otherwise the window gets even shorter because an almost 2 hour chunk of that time is gone.

 

I say hard to use because Carnival has clearly restricted it in a way to make the use as minimal as possible. Not because it is hard to get bartenders to take it.

[love my grandkids]

P&Ds don't bring in any more revenue that a blue or red card. FTTF actually adds revenue so expect the "purchased status" to continue and perhaps expand.

 

Agreed. They found a way to increase revenue with no new expenses so fttf is pure profit to cruise ine

[Maraprince]

Free drink coupon can be used during dinner the last night. So it puts to rest all the complaints about being difficult to use or going to bed by 9 PM on the last night.

 

Best part of platinum is priority lounge and ease of boarding the ship without having to stand on the regular line. Unless you have a tender port, priority tendering doesn't apply. Also, exception for the special cocktail party, my cabin mate was able to do priority boarding/disembarking with me.

 

Loved the chocolate dipped strawberries! Free bottle of water is was much appreciated as well as the game board.

 

Priority disembarcation worked for me but my luggage was delayed arriving into the terminal.

 

MARAPRINCE

[Budget Queen]

It amazes me, the entitlement that some people have. It is not that difficult to get Platinum, take 11 7 day cruises. It SHOULD be restrictive. The issue is- there are hundreds of platinums- do you REALLY think the masses should part- and let you just go ahead of everyone, when you arrive- so you don't have to "wait" ? You've got to be kidding, there is no way to predict lines. I also find it interesting- the lined up people that are already there when I'm getting off a ship. HOURS of waiting- but they are going to be FIRST on board- with their room ready and on to the buffet. Makes them feel real special??

 

The ships do a fantastic job, boarding thousands of people in a short time frame. There are going to be lines- simple math.

[Wilgr]

I never pay attention to who is in line before or after me, I only notice when I am next.

[45014]

My popcorn is all gone. I will get some more, because I have the feeling this is going to go on for a very long time, yet. AND we have just purchased the FTTF for the first time in 25+ cruises, because we are traveling with our grandchildren and we feel it will make it a little easier.

[KatMo]

LOL - Too funny, and all true! Seriously though, I have read some other posts about FTTF mentioning that they go on "after" the Platinum and Diamond guests, so I am wondering if the chaos I am encountering has more to do with our arrival time or something? We have always tried to get to the port around 11-11:30 as we have always been under the impression that boarding doesn't start until this time or later. I am thinking now if we want to be in that first group we need to arrive earlier.. then it will just be Platinum members etc?

 

Old timers at this and we are used to the days when they wouldn't even let you start boarding the ship until like almost 1pm.

 

I've had cruises where I felt the same about FTTF diminishing the platinum benefits, however -- we just got off the Carnival Freedom this past weekend and the crew on that ship went above and beyond to make sure anytime there were platinums/diamonds in a line or grouped with FTTF, they called the diamonds and platinums to the front of the line. I was surprised that when we got to the terminal in Galveston, we were a bit later than we usually are and there was a line at the VIP check in. A lady actually came out and asked if there were any Platinums or Diamonds in the line, and she escorted us to the front of the line. Also -- there was a very large group inside the VIP area and they turned the group away from checking in at VIP except for the family that actually had VIP status. I was really surprised by this. But, I was glad to see them do it. There were at least 10 of them in that group that did not have VIP status.

 

Also, this past cruise was our first past guest party since they changed it to Platinums and Diamonds only and it was really fabulous!!! We didn't have to fight for a drink! We actually were able to meet the senior officers in attendance and have a few moments to visit with them. The previous parties had become very "un-fun" with so many people and not enough servers. I had started to feel like a very under-appreciated past guest at those parties.