premier cruise questions

[qshari]

I finally was able to book a premier cruise so now of course I have questions.

 

It says you receive priority boarding, does this show up somewhere in your documents or luggage tags? I have looked mine over and I don't see it listed anywhere. I am trying to determine if FTTF is needed.

 

Is the casino crazy packed on these cruises?

 

What other helpful information can you offer?

 

Thanks for any information you can provide. I am super excited!

[Elaine5715]

Premier guests board after the other priority groups but before zone 1. I don't think it includes early luggage delivery. It does not include priority tendering if you have any. The casino is more consistently busy but not packed.

[LaCal]

In your cabin there will be a list of all the cash drawings and games with the times of each event( You must be present to win if your name is called and you'd be Suprised at how many people miss out) plus your DOU Card-Drinks on Us Card

 

On the first day at approx 5pm there will be a Premier cocktail party in one of the lounges.....it'll be listed in your cabin as well.....at the party you'll meet the casino hosts and waiters walk around with Free drinks and appetizers(Tip: You can order ANY TYPE OF DRINK from the waiters) still free....at the end of the party approx 45 mins to a hour they'll have the first cash drawing

 

Throughout the week we received a bottle of champagne, fresh box of cookies from Cherry on Top, Chocolate covered strawberries and depending on your gambling sometimes a free steakhouse dinner and our premier gift was 2 large plush beachtowels......Currently the gift is a really nice padded carry bag that can hold your laptop or iPad

 

Our next one is on the Vista Oct 1st and we can't wait

 

Have a Blast on yours and Win Win Win

[qshari]

Thank you both for the information. I am a planner so I like knowing what to expect. I have cruised quite a few times but the first premier has me feeling brand new to cruising ; )

[Djptcp]

I disagree that the premier casino cruises do not have packed casinos! Have been on many on Carnival and Holland America and find the casinos packed in the evening, not so much during the day. Nice party at the beginning of the cruise, free drinks in the casino all week for both player and spouse (DH loves that). Fun cruises, but expect the casino to be very crowded at night.

[shibby sails]

So the second guest in the room gets a DOU card also? Are they invited to the party or can you bring your guest to it?

[Tutontow]

First off congratulations for snagging a Premier cruise.

 

You will have a blast on your cruise and by all means do NOT miss the welcome aboard party for Premier members. It is not to be missed.

[springs741]

Currently on my 4th premier cruise on the Splendor. The casino has not been busy at all. Now my previous 3 have been out of Galveston and the casino has been packed most every night. So your mileage will vary.

 

shibby sails, guest number 2 in the stateroom also receives the DOU card and is invited to the premier party.

[qshari]

I am excited to be able to take advantage of the offer this time. Thanks again to all for offering info/advice.

[sailawaykaye]

Also cruising on Premier Cruises can be very hectic. Especially on sea days. Many drawings throughout the day. You must be present to win. Still it keeps you prioritized around other activities. Have a great time. Once you have completed your 1st Premier Cruise you may be eligible for the Ultra cruise. Ultra Premier cruises give away $100,000 worth cash and prizes.

[sand33647]

Just off the Splendor. Did get everything mentioned above except for the padded bag. Wonder if I can contact Players Club to see if they will mail one. Anyone try this?

[SadieN]

So the second guest in the room gets a DOU card also? Are they invited to the party or can you bring your guest to it?

 

 

Second pax in cabin gets most of the perks. Third only gets to tag along on Priority boarding and anything the first two send their way.

Edited June 5, 2016 by SadieN

[texast518]

I disagree that the premier casino cruises do not have packed casinos! Have been on many on Carnival and Holland America and find the casinos packed in the evening, not so much during the day. Nice party at the beginning of the cruise, free drinks in the casino all week for both player and spouse (DH loves that). Fun cruises, but expect the casino to be very crowded at night.

Agree, table limits also higher.

[LaCal]

Just off the Splendor. Did get everything mentioned above except for the padded bag. Wonder if I can contact Players Club to see if they will mail one. Anyone try this?

 

What was the Premier gift you received?

 

You might try emailing at Casino@Carnival.com. Include your name, booking number and your VIFP #

[sc4125]

I'm sure that this is not always the case BUT - I have been on 2 Premier Cruises - one out of Tampa & one out of Pt. Canaveral. Both times the casino was crazy busy - many times we would stay on a machine much longer than normal because there were none open.

 

Also, because everyone (almost) hast he DOU card, getting a drink was nearly impossible and we tipped each time.

 

But, I'm sure you'll enjoy it - we had fun but it was crazy!!

[mishka422]

So, I just booked a premier casino cruise today. Second person in cabin is my husband. Third person is our 22 year old son. My husband doesn't drink and really doesn't play much in the casino. My son on the other hand...... :) Am I able to give him the DOU card for the 2nd person even though he's technically the 3rd?

[springs741]

The card will be filled out in advance. You can call Carnival or your TA and have son listed as second person in the stateroom. Problem solved.

[just4cruzin]

In regards to the cash they give you, do they actually give you cash or special chips to play with. I was on a bounce back cruise where I got $75 in special chips (yellow and oversized) worth $5 each. I got a premier cruise offer in the mail yesterday that I'm contemplating. it's offering $900 in cash. Thanks.

[LaCal]

In regards to the cash they give you, do they actually give you cash or special chips to play with. I was on a bounce back cruise where I got $75 in special chips (yellow and oversized) worth $5 each. I got a premier cruise offer in the mail yesterday that I'm contemplating. it's offering $900 in cash. Thanks.

 

It would be $900 cold hard cash 😜😜

[ccruisequeen]

If you are offered a premier cruise, but can't use it, will they off it to you again in the future?

 

A CRUISE A YEAR KEEPS ME IN GEAR

[springs741]

The official word from John Heald has been 7500 points per year qualifies you for a premier.

 

The frustration of this no one seems to know if that is a calendar year or physical year. AND I have spoke with people that say they have not had that many points and made the offer list. Still others that say they have well over that amount and not made the list. Keep in mind these folks may not have been aware that for premier offers only the points are cumulative. OR they may not have been willing to admit they gambled that much.

 

I have had premier offers I did not take and was included in the next round of offers. However, I could have requalified as we cruise frequently.

 

If you can't make the premier offer you can't make it. Life happens. The next round of offers will be out soon after this round expire. Fingers crossed you get the invite and the days work for you.

[Slacktide]

I have'nt sailed in three years and still get the premier offers I've finally booked one for this October and just received the 2017 premier offers in the mail yesterday. Don't think there's any rhyme nor reason as to who gets the offers or not.

[winddawn]

My most recent snail mail brochure from Carnival about my premier offers shows a change in the program. In the past, simply taking a premier cruise qualified you for an invitation to the ultra premiere cruises in November and December. For 2017 ultra premier invitations, you now have to earn 7,500 points on a premier cruise sailing to qualify for ultra.

 

The brochure states, "If you earn at least 7,500 points in the casino on one of these 2017 premier cruises, you'll be eligible for Carnival's invite-only 2017 ultra premier cruises."

 

Just thought I'd throw that out there because I know a lot of the premier cruisers look forward to those ultra premier invitations.

Edited August 4, 2016 by winddawn

[NCTribeFan]

I'll be on my 4th Premier cruise on 10/30 on Splendor. That's 4 in just under 2 years. I've never come close to reaching 7,500 points in any 12 month period. I'm not a high roller. My casino cash is always $300. The mailing I received doesn't mention the Ultra at all. But this page mentions 7,500 for the Premier.

 

https://www.carnival.com/casino-premier-cruises

 

Yes, 2nd person gets DOU card and can join you at the cocktail party.

 

First two were from Ft Lauderdale. They try to pack all the priority people in one small room. Not pleasant unless you're there very early. Last time was from Port Canaveral, and that was a mess, too. It was a Journeys sailing and had tons of Plat/Diamond already. They finally called Diamond first, then the overhead displays simply said "Priority" and the mobs all tried to board at once.

 

Just to let people know that boarding may not be terribly organized! We'll see how it goes in Miami with the staggered check-in. May help with the crowd control.

 

Casino has been packed on the three I've taken. Unlike some who have complained in other threads, I've never had a problem getting drinks. Yes, the servers are busy. Don't expect to sit down and have a drink in 3 minutes. It's an issue at the bar, not the servers. There will be 6 servers at the bar waiting and maybe 2 bartenders, usually only one. And, of course, those bartenders are having to take care of the mobs of smokers who live at the casino bar. I always end up with a "favorite" server who takes care of me pretty well. I always add at least $1 tip and always tip extra in cash at the end to show my appreciation for their hard work.

[winddawn]

I'll be on my 4th Premier cruise on 10/30 on Splendor. That's 4 in just under 2 years. I've never come close to reaching 7,500 points in any 12 month period. I'm not a high roller. My casino cash is always $300. The mailing I received doesn't mention the Ultra at all. But this page mentions 7,500 for the Premier.

 

https://www.carnival.com/casino-premier-cruises

 

Yes, 2nd person gets DOU card and can join you at the cocktail party.

 

First two were from Ft Lauderdale. They try to pack all the priority people in one small room. Not pleasant unless you're there very early. Last time was from Port Canaveral, and that was a mess, too. It was a Journeys sailing and had tons of Plat/Diamond already. They finally called Diamond first, then the overhead displays simply said "Priority" and the mobs all tried to board at once.

 

Just to let people know that boarding may not be terribly organized! We'll see how it goes in Miami with the staggered check-in. May help with the crowd control.

 

Casino has been packed on the three I've taken. Unlike some who have complained in other threads, I've never had a problem getting drinks. Yes, the servers are busy. Don't expect to sit down and have a drink in 3 minutes. It's an issue at the bar, not the servers. There will be 6 servers at the bar waiting and maybe 2 bartenders, usually only one. And, of course, those bartenders are having to take care of the mobs of smokers who live at the casino bar. I always end up with a "favorite" server who takes care of me pretty well. I always add at least $1 tip and always tip extra in cash at the end to show my appreciation for their hard work.

I was surprised about the language change in qualifying for the 2017 ultra premiere cruises. The brochure is very specific in stating the 7,500 points to qualify for an ultra premiere invitation must be earned on "one" premier cruise starting with the premier cruises on December 31, 2016 and after. The premier brochures I've received in years past have only stated that I needed to take a premier cruise to qualify for the ultra premiere invitation. I'm thinking they must have had too many people qualify for the 2016 ultra premier cruise by the more lenient qualifications in the past.

 

I don't think I've ever earned 7,500 points on a single cruise.

 

My premier offers always come with $300 too, NCTribeFan. I did the ultra premier cruise in November 2015. I haven't booked a premier cruise since then because Carnival has already given me 2 bounce back free cruise offers this year.