Caribbean Tier Members

[besberry]

Yes Yes Yes

Just how many times do people have to told on here that Caribbean + can turn up and get priority check in before main check in starts! IF you turn up after main check in starts, Caribbean + get Fast Tracked. The only way you miss out on Priority is if the person in the cabin with you is below Caribbean.:(

 

Not quite true. When we boarded Britannia in July my friend had no status with P&O. We both got priority boarding and we both got to eat the champagne lunch on embarkation too. However in the cabin there was only one pair of slippers and one bathrobe (both untouched for the entire cruise!!)

[the english lady]

Not quite true. When we boarded Britannia in July my friend had no status with P&O. We both got priority boarding and we both got to eat the champagne lunch on embarkation too. However in the cabin there was only one pair of slippers and one bathrobe (both untouched for the entire cruise!!)

 

What type of cabin did you have. If you were in a suite or mini suite you would still get priority boarding , without reaching the dizzy heights of Caribbean.

I amended what I was going to post as it reads as though you shared a cabin.

[besberry]

What type of cabin did you have. If you were in a suite or mini suite you would still get priority boarding , without reaching the dizzy heights of Caribbean.

I amended what I was going to post as it reads as though you shared a cabin.

 

We had a lowly inside cabin.

[tartanexile81]

Are you seriously telling me that you know for sure that 2000 plus passengers are all old stalwarts during the winter months? What utter rubbish. there might be 50 to 80 that you may have seen before, but not that many.

 

I have been pleasant throughout this thread despite some people becoming heated and some comments verging on insulting.

 

I feel I am someone with integrity who does not just pick facts off the top of their head to make a point. I write from an informed point of view. Yes I am seriously telling you that I KNOW that the majority of people who have been on our 28 / 35 day cruise from Southampton in January and February are regulars. It is not "utter rubbish". At the Peninsular Party the Captain tells us exactly how many in each loyalty category there are and also tells us how many (or rather how few) first time cruisers are onboard. Not only are the vast majority regulars but there is a high percentage of Ligurian, Baltic and Caribbean tier cruisers and the Captain's lunches extend over quite a few days.

 

I do apologise for using the word 'old'. It wasnt meant in any derogatory term to the older generation that cruise. I thoroughly enjoy having a right mixed bag of ages onboard and I totally agree that the older generation are definitely the one's having a ball. They make me smile and laugh all at once.

Stalwarts can be any age. It really depends on how long they have been cruising. Sorry for any offence. X

 

Thank you very much for your kind apology. The reason I picked up on it was that it seemed that people who cruise regularly with P&O are being branded "old stalwarts" as it just felt a bit judgement. I am a very happy, regular P&O cruiser who has spent 200+ nights onboard with further cruises booked. I also have cruises booked with other companies and land holidays as well so I call it seeing the world and spending the family's inheritance :D:D

Edited October 18, 2015 by tartanexile81

[jeanlyon]

On the assumption that mostly retired folk go on these very long cruises, although I do work and we do up to 24 days, then it would stand to reason that lots of them are seasoned cruisers. However, if P&O couldn't fill these long ones, they would simply have more shorter cruises. Lots of people like to go away in the winter.

 

I have never heard the Captain give out this information, but that maybe because we have stopped going to the Captains parties, preferring to have a drink in Andersons at 7.30, rather than join the hordes in one of the lounges queuing up for a free drink.

Edited October 18, 2015 by jeanlyon

[wilson2579]

Can't wait to retire so I can do a longer cruise but then maybe if I am not working I won't be able to afford them:eek:

[Florry]

Can't wait to retire so I can do a longer cruise but then maybe if I am not working I won't be able to afford them:eek:

 

 

You and me both! Just like I want to go and live in the country when I no longer have to commute - but then I'll be worrying about being near hospitals and bus routes so still won't get there [emoji37]

[tartanexile81]

On the assumption that mostly retired folk go on these very long cruises, although I do work and we do up to 24 days, then it would stand to reason that lots of them are seasoned cruisers. However, if P&O couldn't fill these long ones, they would simply have more shorter cruises. Lots of people like to go away in the winter.

 

I have never heard the Captain give out this information, but that maybe because we have stopped going to the Captains parties, preferring to have a drink in Andersons at 7.30, rather than join the hordes in one of the lounges queuing up for a free drink.

 

It's a pity that some people on this board can't accept when they make a mistake.

 

You don't know what you're missing at the parties. We love to socialise and meet friends old and new there. We never queue for a drink but sit relaxed and chatting till a wine waiter or a bar steward whom we've got to know provides us with drinks as and when we need them. I wouldn't say we were joining the hordes there any more than I would say going to a show the theatre.

Edited October 18, 2015 by tartanexile81

[laurakdy]

I have been pleasant throughout this thread despite some people becoming heated and some comments verging on insulting.

 

I feel I am someone with integrity who does not just pick facts off the top of their head to make a point. I write from an informed point of view. Yes I am seriously telling you that I KNOW that the majority of people who have been on our 28 / 35 day cruise from Southampton in January and February are regulars. It is not "utter rubbish". At the Peninsular Party the Captain tells us exactly how many in each loyalty category there are and also tells us how many (or rather how few) first time cruisers are onboard. Not only are the vast majority regulars but there is a high percentage of Ligurian, Baltic and Caribbean tier cruisers and the Captain's lunches extend over quite a few days.

 

 

 

Thank you very much for your kind apology. The reason I picked up on it was that it seemed that people who cruise regularly with P&O are being branded "old stalwarts" as it just felt a bit judgement. I am a very happy, regular P&O cruiser who has spent 200+ nights onboard with further cruises booked. I also have cruises booked with other companies and land holidays as well so I call it seeing the world and spending the family's inheritance :D:D

 

Ha ha. Quite right spending the inheritance. Sounds a bit like my Dad...:D I' m with you in that I like P & O but I travel on other lines if intinery and cost suit me as well as land based. Florida is booked for next year but might sneak in a wee weekender from Port Canaveral. :)

I am confused though about what many are saying about why P&O are doing this. How you are saying they won't want to lose you by taking these perks away but yet they are.

That's why I said as others have said. Is it perhaps new cruisers that spend more, buy photographs, speciality restaurants and drink more?

I dont for one minute think you were lying when you mentioned about most being regulars on theses 28/35 days cruises but do they spend much money? I know if I went for that long I would have to watch my pennies, whereas perhaps going for 14 days I don't have to and can splash out a bit more.

Maybe P & O don't feel they get enough back by giving you these perks.

 

Not having a go at all. Just food for though. X

[wilson2579]

It's a pity that some people on this board can't accept when they make a mistake.

 

You don't know what you're missing at the parties. We love to socialise and meet friends old and new there. We never queue for a drink but sit relaxed and chatting till a wine waiter or a bar steward whom we've got to know provides us with drinks as and when we need them. I wouldn't say we were joining the hordes there any more than I would say going to a show the theatre.

 

I love a good party. I would be there having a good chinwag too:D

[tartanexile81]

I love a good party. I would be there having a good chinwag too:D

 

You fancy coming on Oceana in Feb? :D

[wilson2579]

You fancy coming on Oceana in Feb? :D

 

My husband blames my roots for all the chatting I do. Probably somewhere near your part of the woods. lol:eek:

[annieuk]

On our last two cruises the Captain announced how many repeat cruisers there were at the Portunus party. Of course if someone chooses not to go to the party then they would not hear the information. At the last one we attended we found a seat - I can't stand for too long following an ankle operation and no I'm not ancient - and we got chatting to several interesting people and then an Officer came to join us - a very civilised and interesting interlude. Didn't see any hordes queuing for drinks!

 

I would assume it would be older people who go on World Cruises and the longer cruises, purely because they are more likely to have the time and the money. It amazes me that in this day and age people talk about "old people" in such terms. When I compare what people of say, over 70, look like now compared to how they were even 30 years ago, the difference is amazing. Our parents seemed to look "old" once they reached 40! Certainly I know two women of over 80 who don't look anywhere near their age. People should be careful when talking of "old" people.

[jeanlyon]

Yes I would agree. I have just been to a Reunion of Ceylon Tea Planters. I was accompanying an 85 year old friend. Most of the folk there were over 80 and one lady of 94, very agile and active still playing bridge twice a week. So we are all living longer and fitter thank goodness.

 

I have been to many of the parties on board in the past, but I don't remember numbers being given out. So obviously I am wrong there. We stopped going as they don't even start until 8 and we prefer to go for a drink and relax at 7.30. And yes when we did go, the queues to get in (rather than queue for a drink - my mistake) were dreadful.

 

I still say that if P&O couldn't fill their ships because Caribbean and up took away their patronage, then they would simply do shorter cruises and attract people who don't want to be away that long. A company survives by changing things.

[Adammara]

A company survives by changing things.

My grandfather purchased a country ironmongers/plumbers/bell fitters in 1900, and we have evolved over our 115 years in business, and are now hi-tech sign manufacturer. Competition and changing markets mean you have to evolve.

 

Cruising has changed dramatically since our first cruise on QE2 in 1991, followed by 27 cruises on P&O, and sadly the present situation is one of the reasons we now take land based holidays.

 

I was taught the customer is king, unfortunately that was before accounts were running companies and the bottom line is all that mattered.

[the english lady]

My grandfather purchased a country ironmongers/plumbers/bell fitters in 1900, and we have evolved over our 115 years in business, and are now hi-tech sign manufacturer. Competition and changing markets mean you have to evolve.

 

Cruising has changed dramatically since our first cruise on QE2 in 1991, followed by 27 cruises on P&O, and sadly the present situation is one of the reasons we now take land based holidays.

 

I was taught the customer is king, unfortunately that was before accounts were running companies and the bottom line is all that mattered.

 

Your final sentence sums it up..it is all about money, from length of time in port, to speed ship is cruising at, to the food supplied on board.

This would be across all cruise lines. Some may not have trimmed in the same way as Pando ,but they would all have trimmed in some way.

[insanemagnet]

Cruising has changed dramatically since our first cruise on QE2 in 1991, followed by 27 cruises on P&O, and sadly the present situation is one of the reasons we now take land based holidays.

 

And the new P&O customers who have replaced you would probably argue the positive changes are why they are now cruising rather than taking land based holidays.

[bobstheboy]

And the new P&O customers who have replaced you would probably argue the positive changes are why they are now cruising rather than taking land based holidays.

 

I agree.

 

Cruising is now affordable to many and not the ultimate luxury it once was, although some of the American lines departing for the Caribbean are not for us, far too casual. Having said that, on a QE11 cruise some years ago it was 12 nights out of 14 formal dress, far too much.

[Host Sharon]

 

I have never heard the Captain give out this information, but that maybe because we have stopped going to the Captains parties, preferring to have a drink in Andersons at 7.30, rather than join the hordes in one of the lounges queuing up for a free drink.

 

The information is very often given at the Peninsular Club party but I guess you won't attend that either, despite it being a rather elegant and pleasant pre-dinner occasion.

[tartanexile81]

The information is very often given at the Peninsular Club party but I guess you won't attend that either, despite it being a rather elegant and pleasant pre-dinner occasion.

 

I agree. We always enjoy them very much and always meet such lovely people

[jeanlyon]

I guess my experience at the last one has put me off. We queued for ages both sides of the theatre just to get in. By the time everyone was in, it was ages getting a drink and ten minutes later it was over. Just decided not to bother.

[Florry]

I guess my experience at the last one has put me off. We queued for ages both sides of the theatre just to get in. By the time everyone was in, it was ages getting a drink and ten minutes later it was over. Just decided not to bother.

 

 

I've been to a few like that Jean and I know what you mean. I suspect there is always a queue, but we were the last to arrive on Britannia so didn't see it. We were in the theatre I think, so we got a seat and a glass of wine but I do think it felt a bit hurried and I can't really say I enjoyed it as such. So I do understand that buying your own drink in a bar of your choice, away from the crowd would appeal. Having said that I hope they never try to stop them -it's one of the last few perks left [emoji45]

[Sanjam cruisers]

At all the Portunus Parties we have attended there have been two entrances, one for those wishing a photo with the Captain(big queue) and one for those who do not wish a photo( small queue).

We now use the second option get a seat and a waiter and have a rather pleasant 40 minutes to an hour and a few drinks courtesy of P&O, the Captian normally announces how many first time cruisers there are aboard and also a gift is awarded to the most regular aboard.

[Host Sharon]

At all the Portunus Parties we have attended there have been two entrances, one for those wishing a photo with the Captain(big queue) and one for those who do not wish a photo( small queue).

We now use the second option get a seat and a waiter and have a rather pleasant 40 minutes to an hour and a few drinks courtesy of P&O, the Captian normally announces how many first time cruisers there are aboard and also a gift is awarded to the most regular aboard.

 

There is also a prize draw for a Dartington crystal piece which, much to my genuine surprise, I won on Adonia last year.

[Scorpio41]

There is also a prize draw for a Dartington crystal piece which, much to my genuine surprise, I won on Adonia last year.

 

They've stopped this as a prize, it's now a photograph album and photo package. :(