Big GAP-Elite Plus at 750, then Zenith at 3,000.

[excitedofharpenden]

I have read these comparisons etc and I think that these loyalty programs have been invented to reward loyalty, simple as that. I have loyalty cards from restaurants I frequent, airlines I fly, cruises I take, even the Mani Pedi shop has a loyalty program. Basically they are all the same....The more you spend the more perks you get. As a businessman this makes sense to me.

 

I always felt it unfair when PH suites onboard ships were getting almost the same points as someone who had paid 10 times less then they had. Celebrities program had to change to reward spending and I am sure the 3000 Captains point milestone took into account how many people would become Zenith (83+I am told) as well as how many could potentially become Zenith and thus getting that incredible level of benefits. This all costs the cruiseline $$ so I am sure they even checked their mortality tables to estimate what the cost would be over time as well as ages of these members etc. I was also told that most of the Zenith guests are not big spenders, but are big cruisers, per se,.....So they take many many cruises but often in the lowest price cabins. This new program will now Award less frequent cruisers who cruise in larger suites but only 2 or 3 times per year.....Fair.

 

I don't think Celebrity needs a program in the middle as the elite plus benefits are excellent. On one hand people didn't want their past given benefits changed when the program did......but now they want more benefits? Ridiculous! In hindsight Celebrity should have CUT the elite benefits.....Thus having 4 levels where when you hit 1500 or 2000 you actually got them back....but that would be a new thread and a hot mess of mutiny ;)

 

I leave you with what grandma taught me. With money....you get honey.....simple as that.

 

Safe sails to all.

I agree with you.

 

Phil

[Gordoncruickshank]

I agree with you.

 

Phil

 

Me too. I don't think I have actually used an Elite plus benefit since we reached that level.

[CruisingChick]

Me too. I don't think I have actually used an Elite plus benefit since we reached that level.

 

We use all our Elite+ internet minutes and the free Cafe al Bacio drinks on every cruise. Other than those 2 I can't think of anything else they added (like more laundry) to Elite+ over Elite that makes any difference.

[BrendaJ]

For Celebrity to consider a "Zen" level, they would have to consider perks that do not cost them much. I would suggest things like:

 

• free photo
  
• invitations to participate in special surveys providing input on future itineraries and initiatives
  
• ability to book new itineraries a week earlier than the lower levels of Captain's Club
  
• option of trying a meal in Luminae
  
• free backstage tour of crew areas
  
• ability to combine shareholder credit with other offers
  
• free martini or other drink not included in classic package
  
• half price drink packages or free upgrade to premium if you have classic package
  
• early access to cabins
  

 

Most of these suggestions would not cost the cruise line a great deal, but would seem like tangible benefits for those of us who have cruised enough to get past Elite+ but don't have any hope for reaching Zenith. Of course, the Zenith passengers would continue to get all the perks of the lower tiers.

 

I hope to enjoy more cruises in suites, for which many perks are already included, but even if that doesn't happen, I'm quite happy with the Elite+ benefits.

[cle-guy]

For Celebrity to consider a "Zen" level, they would have to consider perks that do not cost them much. I would suggest things like:

 

• free photo
  
• invitations to participate in special surveys providing input on future itineraries and initiatives
  
• ability to book new itineraries a week earlier than the lower levels of Captain's Club
  
• option of trying a meal in Luminae
  
• free backstage tour of crew areas
  
• ability to combine shareholder credit with other offers
  
• free martini or other drink not included in classic package
  
• half price drink packages or free upgrade to premium if you have classic package
  
• early access to cabins
  

 

This list is really quite reasonable to my mind. A few comments though.

 

Photo - This will cost them actual money, photos are run by a 3rd party, thus that party will bill Celebrity for any freebies. I honestly would believe that even the discount packages the Photo company would bill back some if not all of the discount during their monthly settlement. I used to run 3rd party concessions in museums, including the "Photo Op's" they do, and we spent a LOT of time reconciling the freebies the Museums would give out - it was MY money they were playing with, so I needed to get paid by someone, if it wasn't the guest, the Museum had to pay me, and they could internally account for that spend. Look at how the Spa has changed its rules since Canyon Ranch took over, now the Free Persian Gardens pass is only valid till 1 pm on a port day - no doubt the Spa negotiated this down as part of their contract as they don't want to lose that revenue stream.

 

Luminae - I do think it's important to maintain the integrity of the venue. What would the AquaClass passengers say if we opened BLU to more folks. More realistic, extend the lunch at Bistro on 5 option to B2B folks, as in the Zenith Level.

 

Shareholder Credit - This is actual cash out of pocket, especially if the guest chooses to spend that cash in any of the 3rd party venues - Shops, Spa, Photos. From a shareholder perspective, I don't want to reduce revenue/profit and pay that out to a 3rd party.

 

Drink Packages, given that most have them, not really a useful jerk to most. However, I do like the idea of the free upgrade to Premium, and a coupon or 2 for a free martini at martini Bar.

 

Early Cabin Access - I haven't sailed a line that allows this, but my observation is, X closes the fire doors to the hallways until cabins are ready, so I see this perk as being difficult to implement and facilitate given how they close the hallways off. But done right, this could be easily sorted. I have suggested in the past that a new revenue stream should be something like Carnival does, I think they call it "First to the Fun", pay $50, and get priority boarding, priority disembarkation, priority luggage delivery and early cabin access. Maybe even include lunch at Bistro on 5.

[hulamoon]

Zenith does not have much meaning for anyone traveling in an upper suite, the recognition maybe of benefit. It can work as an incentive to those who may make it someday, and are optimistic about the possibility. That's a win win for the customer and X to hold the cruise dollars in their line.

 

There is not much incentive for those who reach elite plus and then feel they will never make it. Those are the ones who become the shoppers.

 

I can't really imagine a zenith member getting upset someone else is using the benefits. Rather weird way to view fellow travelers. Particularly a zenith who travels in the PH...the value of zenith is already in the purchase. What difference does it make if an X passenger spent more over time, it's goodwill. Business do all sorts of things to raise the feelings customers have towards them, being able to say they have the best in the industry and you early thirty somethings may someday attain this has some value.

[hulamoon]

If an incentive program is designed to keep people coming back as so many did to get to elite before I see no problem with it costlilittle something.

 

The drink packages may not be around forever either. One never knows what trend is around the corner.

[Ma Bell]

If there were no designated Zenith level there would be no complaining that another level should be instituted. There was always a level that could be attained that was not a formal designation. It was the 100th cruise level. Very few people even knew it existed. It was, and remains very difficult for most to achieve; because of the benefits offered it should be or the cruise line would go out of business. Zenith is no different except it is now much easier for high level suite people to make.

 

Celebrity added the Elite Plus level to reward their loyal members and made it fairly easy to attain. I think most people were happy with the addition.

 

Every time they expand benefits to a large number of cruisers the costs will be passed on to everyone. I think that is why it is unlikely there will be another level added.

Edited November 6, 2015 by Ma Bell

[cle-guy]

If an incentive program is designed to keep people coming back as so many did to get to elite before I see no problem with it costlilittle something.

 

The drink packages may not be around forever either. One never knows what trend is around the corner.

 

I kind of think that Crusie Lines no longer NEED to be so generous to their loyalty programs. Airlines have scaled WAY back the benefits they give as they are flying full these days. There was a period of 5 years or so thet I got an upgrade 100% of the time I flew with Continental/United, the last 4 years, I have about a 5% free upgrade rate. Ships sail full and cruising is gaining popularity, so Crusie lines also no longer need to rely on their past cruisers as much. more than 60% of cruisers on a ship are 1st timers, and all ships are sailing at or above stated capacity, a trend that has held steady for several years now, even with the addition of new ships and capacity.

 

I see the trend around the corner is X going to more all-inclusive....Drinks packages have been with us since 2012-2013 already, and the new pricing model includes it with booking automatically (unless one chooses another perk) but for the inside cabins and repo's.

Edited November 6, 2015 by cle-guy

[CruisingChick]

I see the trend around the corner is X going to more all-inclusive.....

 

My DH thinks that cruising will become all-inclusive down the road. I still see many cruisers not wanting this. Especially if it raises prices.

[OuiOnboard]

We are CC Elite+. We are afraid of heights, so are satisfied that Elite+ is our zenith. Time to go shopping.

[maggie.1008]

HAL has a program where you get points for how much you spend onboard. If you get extra points for booking a suite why not credit for playing in the Casino or many costly excursions. We have been on cruises where our bar tab and Casino play have been more than what our cruise cost. Same dollars as a suite.I know there are many cruisers who hardly spend anything onboard. O.K. you can flame ne now.

[CruisingChick]

HAL has a program where you get points for how much you spend onboard. If you get extra points for booking a suite why not credit for playing in the Casino or many costly excursions. We have been on cruises where our bar tab and Casino play have been more than what our cruise cost. Same dollars as a suite.I know there are many cruisers who hardly spend anything onboard. O.K. you can flame ne now.

 

No flaming. I think the idea has merit.

[hulamoon]

I remember when HAL implemented that and I always thought it was a smart idea. Also...not so complicated. spend this amount here are your extra points.

 

Its a great idea for shore excursions as there seems to be a need to pay people to go on some of them.

[neverbeenhere]

Celebrity has a credit card with "points". The Casino has various "points" programs, already. And "yes", I am "using quotation marks" in an "over" "abundance".

[wallie5446]

Celebrity has a credit card with "points".

 

Thanks for reminding me! Gotta call and exchange mine for some more OBC today! :)

EW

[Jane2357]

I think that almost all of the current Zenith members or soon to be members - got there largely under the old Captain's Club points - and good for them. However getting to Zenith under the new CC point system is FAR more difficult and expensive. I think the number of Zeniths will continue to rise for a time and then at some tipping point as those cruisers age out -- there will be less and less that make that level because of the new points. In essence capping the average cruiser at the Elite + level.

 

An intentional decision to have the huge gap in points -- it keeps the size of Zenith low, which keeps the club exclusive. If Zenith level ever gets too large a number then I'd guess they might loose their Michael's perk - because paying suite guests would not want to have their experience diminished due to over crowding. Just MHO.

Edited November 6, 2015 by Jane2357

[richsea]

I would think that Zenith members might think that their Michael's experience is diminished by the admittance of suite guests; there are many more of them than Zenith members.

[Ma Bell]

I think that almost all of the current Zenith members or soon to be members - got there largely under the old Captain's Club points - and good for them. However getting to Zenith under the new CC point system is FAR more difficult and expensive. I think the number of Zeniths will continue to rise for a time and then at some tipping point as those cruisers age out -- there will be less and less that make that level because of the new points. In essence capping the average cruiser at the Elite + level.

 

An intentional decision to have the huge gap in points -- it keeps the size of Zenith low, which keeps the club exclusive. If Zenith level ever gets too large a number then I'd guess they might loose their Michael's perk - because paying suite guests would not want to have their experience diminished due to over crowding. Just MHO.

 

 

For those of us who booked suites for many years without any more credit than those in Concierge it is much easier to make it under the new plan. Just do the math.

[Ma Bell]

I would think that Zenith members might think that their Michael's experience is diminished by the admittance of suite guests; there are many more of them than Zenith members.

 

Yes, that comment almost made me laugh out loud.;)

[cle-guy]

For those of us who booked suites for many years without any more credit than those in Concierge it is much easier to make it under the new plan. Just do the math.

 

Yep.

 

Once can get Zenith with just 6 14 night cruises in a RS as a solo traveler.

 

18 pts x 14 nights x double solo points x 6 cruises = 3024 points.

 

This could be done in 3 years just with a TA in spring, one in fall, and maybe add a short crusie somewhere to cover for a short TA if needed.

[Ma Bell]

Yep.

 

Once can get Zenith with just 6 14 night cruises in a RS as a solo traveler.

 

18 pts x 14 nights x double solo points x 6 cruises = 3024 points.

 

This could be done in 3 years just with a TA in spring, one in fall, and maybe add a short crusie somewhere to cover for a short TA if needed.

 

Not to mention that we all sailed for many years without any Captain's Club benefits at all. I don't understand the green-eyed monster mentality. I'm happy for all who make it one way or the other. Loyalty benefits are just frosting on the cake. What Celebrity needs to concentrate is making sure the cake is great.

Edited November 6, 2015 by Ma Bell

[C 2 C]

I would think that Zenith members might think that their Michael's experience is diminished by the admittance of suite guests; there are many more of them than Zenith members.

 

However, on several sailings, Zenith members gather in Michael's for social hour more often than suite cruisers. The usual suspects are usually rounded up in there....

The Zenith perks have attracted more cruisers to progress up the ladder by booking suites whereas the "original" gang achieved their status by sailing in balconies, concierge and AQ as well as very frequent cruising in OV and insides. There has been an absolute explosion in Zeniths since the perks were first announced. I believe the number now lies between 90 and 100. The "old way" of frequent cruising has been supplanted by suite cruising as a means to achieve Zenith. For those who have the $$$$, fewer than 200 sailing days will get you to the top whereas Inside and Ocean View dwellers have to sail for 1500 days to achieve that level.

 

[hulamoon]

I love these charts.Thank you for sharing it again Arno.

 

For those in upper suites getting there has less meaning, the program matters much more to loyal customers who are doing it the alternative way.

 

I see it as a win win, if it wins for X keeping more dollars on X they may do something. If they see it as cost and a burden, obviously they won't.

[wallie5446]

Not to mention that we all sailed for many years without any Captain's Club benefits at all. I don't understand the green-eyed monster mentality. I'm happy for all who make it one way or the other. Loyalty benefits are just frosting on the cake. What Celebrity needs to concentrate is making sure the cake is great.

 

From the poll I did in May 2013:

 

View Poll Results: A quality Cruise is all I need to Cruise again with Celebrity.

YES 235 86.72%

NO 36 13.28%

Voters: 271.

So the vast majority here on CC seem to agree with your last sentence.

 

Our first Capt Club perk in 1994, were Captain Club luggage tags, we still use them, the lapel pin, and a coupon for $50 off on a cabin, not per person!

 

I'm with Ma Bell, give me a quality on board product.

EW