Platinum/Diamond VIFP party guests?

[A&Jfamily]

I was mad as a hornet when they took it away from me as Gold. But it really was much better this last time. Before it was in the main theater and there were SO many people that it was difficult to get a drink. It is much more enjoyable now and I am happy with the change.

 

I also agree that the rules are very clear. Invitation - come. No invitation - sorry. If they have space then there's no problem with them inviting the guest plus one and they will - via the invitation. Not by asking someone, or based upon what has been done before, or even what JH says. However, if there are a lot of P/Ds then I can see where it wouldn't be a good idea due to the number of people and size of the venue.

 

It's not that difficult to go by yourself for 20-30 min. You don't have to stay for the whole thing. Grab a drink or 2 and then leave if it bothers you or your cabin mate. It isn't mandatory and if the other person will feel left out, then skip it. I don't understand the big deal. I really don't. I left my mom behind when I was Gold and she was Red. She didn't care and I had a blast.

 

It doesn't "bother" me, as I explained in an earlier post, in the sense that I am not afraid of attending by myself, or speaking to total strangers. My husband could happily go to the casino. It isn't a logistical "big deal;" perhaps that's why you are reading to much into my question. I have zero issue with not going to the party, or going if he is "feeling" the casino,taking a nap etc.

 

What I do take issue with is on a much broader societal level, concerning common manners. I am not traveling with my mom, best friend, cousin etc; I am traveling with my husband. He is my partner in life. Social convention is (or perhaps "was" as our society continually seems to devalue marriage) that is is "rude" to hold a party and attempt to invite only one party to a marriage. It is acceptable to invite a single person, alone, without adding "and guest;" I do not feel that the same is true for married persons. You can invite Miss Smith to your wedding, and not add "and guest," but you shouldn't invite Mrs. Smith and intentionally leave off Mr. Smith - it is rude. To quote Miss Manners - even in those circumstances where the spouse is repugnant:

 

"Common to all social occasions is the question of whether half a couple may be invited. Considering that we no longer know what makes a couple, this is a tricky problem.Marriage is a sure qualifier, which is why those gold-diggers and freeloaders who forced their way into the family get to accompany the blood relatives. So, now, is para-marriage. People who are living together in romantic partnership must also be treated as a social unit."

 

I believe John Heald and others on here inherently recognize that belief. If you do not, then we will simply have to disagree.

[tatt2ed]

It doesn't "bother" me, as I explained in an earlier post, in the sense that I am not afraid of attending by myself, or speaking to total strangers. My husband could happily go to the casino. It isn't a logistical "big deal;" perhaps that's why you are reading to much into my question. I have zero issue with not going to the party, or going if he is "feeling" the casino,taking a nap etc.

 

What I do take issue with is on a much broader societal level, concerning common manners. I am not traveling with my mom, best friend, cousin etc; I am traveling with my husband. He is my partner in life. Social convention is (or perhaps "was" as our society continually seems to devalue marriage) that is is "rude" to hold a party and attempt to invite only one party to a marriage. It is acceptable to invite a single person, alone, without adding "and guest;" I do not feel that the same is true for married persons. You can invite Miss Smith to your wedding, and not add "and guest," but you shouldn't invite Mrs. Smith and intentionally leave off Mr. Smith - it is rude. To quote Miss Manners - even in those circumstances where the spouse is repugnant:

 

"Common to all social occasions is the question of whether half a couple may be invited. Considering that we no longer know what makes a couple, this is a tricky problem.Marriage is a sure qualifier, which is why those gold-diggers and freeloaders who forced their way into the family get to accompany the blood relatives. So, now, is para-marriage. People who are living together in romantic partnership must also be treated as a social unit."

 

I believe John Heald and others on here inherently recognize that belief. If you do not, then we will simply have to disagree.

Trust me they will not turn your husband away.

[firemanbobswife]

It doesn't "bother" me, as I explained in an earlier post, in the sense that I am not afraid of attending by myself, or speaking to total strangers. My husband could happily go to the casino. It isn't a logistical "big deal;" perhaps that's why you are reading to much into my question. I have zero issue with not going to the party, or going if he is "feeling" the casino,taking a nap etc.

 

 

 

What I do take issue with is on a much broader societal level, concerning common manners. I am not traveling with my mom, best friend, cousin etc; I am traveling with my husband. He is my partner in life. Social convention is (or perhaps "was" as our society continually seems to devalue marriage) that is is "rude" to hold a party and attempt to invite only one party to a marriage. It is acceptable to invite a single person, alone, without adding "and guest;" I do not feel that the same is true for married persons. You can invite Miss Smith to your wedding, and not add "and guest," but you shouldn't invite Mrs. Smith and intentionally leave off Mr. Smith - it is rude. To quote Miss Manners - even in those circumstances where the spouse is repugnant:

 

 

 

"Common to all social occasions is the question of whether half a couple may be invited. Considering that we no longer know what makes a couple, this is a tricky problem.Marriage is a sure qualifier, which is why those gold-diggers and freeloaders who forced their way into the family get to accompany the blood relatives. So, now, is para-marriage. People who are living together in romantic partnership must also be treated as a social unit."

 

 

 

I believe John Heald and others on here inherently recognize that belief. If you do not, then we will simply have to disagree.

 

 

I'm sorry, but I don't. I don't dive deep into the reasonings behind certain policies and procedures. Especially the ones that are spelled out in black and white as has been previously posted. I have no issue if Carnival wants to invite spouses or cabin mates to whatever functions they put on. What I do have a problem with is people that constantly look for ways to get around them or blatantly ignore them.

 

JH means well and I get a kick out of his posts. But he has been wrong on many occasions. Some will argue if it was due to fault of his own or if he was given bad info. Makes no difference to me. All that matters is what true actual policy is and we already know what that is. People come on here all the time to find out info. And when it's not what they want to hear, they continue to look for others who agree or to validate what they want to hear. Not saying that is what you're doing, it's just what goes on so it does get a little tiresome.

 

You got your answer as mentioned before. If you want to ask, then ask. I will let you know that if Bob goes with me on my next cruise, I will NOT be inquiring as to if he can attend because I already know. I don't need an exception for him. It's not that important.

[BoDidly]

Truth be told , I truly think Carnival threw a ton of people under the bus with the current revamp. Seriously ,I enjoyed watching all the newbies cheering and clapping when the Platinum's and Diamond's took the stage being recognized for their achievements . It also set an example / goal for others to fulfill their status in the loyalty program.

[jimbo5544]

Truth be told , I truly think Carnival threw a ton of people under the bus with the current revamp. Seriously ,I enjoyed watching all the newbies cheering and clapping when the Platinum's and Diamond's took the stage being recognized for their achievements . It also set an example / goal for others to fulfill their status in the loyalty program.

 

 

It was untenable, they had 70% of the ship going and had to offer two on almost every sailing.

[tatt2ed]

Next party when they ask how many days at sea ill make up a crazy number and take the spotlight away from the person who actually deserve it.

[BoDidly]

It was untenable, they had 70% of the ship going and had to offer two on almost every sailing.

 

Agree, but yet still revamp and allow coupons for drinks for Red and Gold.

Have two separate parties and send out invitations as for timing , just a thought :D

[tatt2ed]

Agree, but yet still revamp and allow coupons for drinks for Red and Gold.

Have two separate parties and send out invitations as for timing , just a thought :D

Oh that wont work then the platinum cruisers will have even more to whine about.

[BoDidly]

Oh that wont work then the platinum cruisers will have even more to whine about.

 

But still its nothing to get angry about ,it's still your cruise and your vacation ;)

[Micahs Grandad]

It was untenable, they had 70% of the ship going and had to offer two on almost every sailing.

 

After getting rid of the drinks for the capt celebration and replacing with farewell party which was set up to fail, it was not right to kick so many out of past guest party.

 

We were Platinum by than but still dont think it was right.

 

Could have done a third party if they wanted too.

[BoDidly]

After getting rid of the drinks for the capt celebration and replacing with farewell party which was set up to fail' date=' it was not right to kick so many out of past guest party.

 

We were Platinum by than but still dont think it was right.

 

Could have done a third party if they wanted too.[/quote']

 

[sunshine002]

Ok, here is a situation no one has mentioned, perhaps it doesn't happen to often. I was on a 4 day cruise over the summer. No platinum/diamond party since it must be a 5+ day cruise.

Therefore i was surprised to hear from someone who is gold that they got the drink coupon to be used on the last day after 4pm. This coupon was not given to the Diamond/plats. Now over the years as the program evolved it was my understanding that the coupon was given to the golds since they no longer went tot he party.

 

I did eventually get a drink coupon but thought something didn't feel right about the whole thing.

[Micahs Grandad]

Ok, here is a situation no one has mentioned, perhaps it doesn't happen to often. I was on a 4 day cruise over the summer. No platinum/diamond party since it must be a 5+ day cruise.

Therefore i was surprised to hear from someone who is gold that they got the drink coupon to be used on the last day after 4pm. This coupon was not given to the Diamond/plats. Now over the years as the program evolved it was my understanding that the coupon was given to the golds since they no longer went tot he party.

 

I did eventually get a drink coupon but thought something didn't feel right about the whole thing.

 

Somebody created their own policy.

[Bookbug53]

See the portion I highlighted in red. If it says it on the invitation, then it's a yes. If it doesn't then that means no. They probably have a lot of people in that case and therefore aren't inviting guests.

 

 

And did you see where I suggested they go to Guest Services and ask?

 

I have gone to ask when nothing is indicated on the invite. They have always said yes.

[Micahs Grandad]

Next party when they ask how many days at sea ill make up a crazy number and take the spotlight away from the person who actually deserve it.

 

Actually they do know the number of days.

[Micahs Grandad]

I'm sorry, but I don't. I don't dive deep into the reasonings behind certain policies and procedures. Especially the ones that are spelled out in black and white as has been previously posted. I have no issue if Carnival wants to invite spouses or cabin mates to whatever functions they put on. What I do have a problem with is people that constantly look for ways to get around them or blatantly ignore them.

 

JH means well and I get a kick out of his posts. But he has been wrong on many occasions. Some will argue if it was due to fault of his own or if he was given bad info. Makes no difference to me. All that matters is what true actual policy is and we already know what that is. People come on here all the time to find out info. And when it's not what they want to hear, they continue to look for others who agree or to validate what they want to hear. Not saying that is what you're doing, it's just what goes on so it does get a little tiresome.

 

You got your answer as mentioned before. If you want to ask, then ask. I will let you know that if Bob goes with me on my next cruise, I will NOT be inquiring as to if he can attend because I already know. I don't need an exception for him. It's not that important.

 

Was wondering what you have done with good old Bob:):)

[firemanbobswife]

Was wondering what you have done with good old Bob:):)

 

 

I invite him to come on my cruises, but he's the type of guy that likes to stay busy. So unless some of his friends were going, or even the boys, then there's not much for him to do so he would rather stay home to work or get things done around the house. He's welcome to come but it's just not his thing anymore. And a party that he isn't invited to isn't a big deal. We aren't drinkers anyway. If the invitation said he could come, then he might come check it out. But again, that's not his scene. He doesn't get excited about cruises and the whole experience like I do.

[JinxyB]

I brought my son to the platinum party on the Magic and no one said a thing. Camp Carnival was closed and he's too young to leave in the cabin by himself, so there was no other option but to bring him.

[firemanbobswife]

And did you see where I suggested they go to Guest Services and ask?

 

I have gone to ask when nothing is indicated on the invite. They have always said yes.

 

 

I did. I also see where the policy is written. If it's not on the invite then there's a reason why. They aren't invited. What I didn't see is where it said to go ask GS if you don't find the answer you like. I don't think they are the ones that are in charge of the party anyway.

 

I don't see the point in continuing to have this discussion. I guess it's like anything else in life. You can either follow the rules, disregard them, or see if someone besides you feels you deserve an exception. That is all.

[kimmimom]

I became platinum a cruise or two before my husband. He was able to go with me on Sunshine to platinum party with no problem. We went on Elation last week (we are both platinum now) and they did not even look for invitations honestly. Worst they can say is "no"

[Cruise, J.D.]

I would not feel a bit timid about bringing a non-platinum spouse or child to the PGP. The employees on the ship are all that matter and I have personally witnessed them allowing spouses/significant others and children into PGPs who didn't meet the status requirement. You want to know why? Because it is simply common sense.

 

Believe me, the posters on Cruise Critic care much more about the fine print and the official policies than the actual employees on the ship who are providing the cruise experience. The employees actually understand "customer service". Some of the people on here would die in a fire if the only exit in the room said "Authorized Personnel Only".

[Micahs Grandad]

 

Believe me, the posters on Cruise Critic care much more about the fine print and the official policies than the actual employees on the ship who are providing the cruise experience. The employees actually understand "customer service". Some of the people on here would die in a fire if the only exit in the room said "Authorized Personnel Only".

 

Think you are right some would:eek::eek:

[tatt2ed]

I would not feel a bit timid about bringing a non-platinum spouse or child to the PGP. The employees on the ship are all that matter and I have personally witnessed them allowing spouses/significant others and children into PGPs who didn't meet the status requirement. You want to know why? Because it is simply common sense.

 

Believe me, the posters on Cruise Critic care much more about the fine print and the official policies than the actual employees on the ship who are providing the cruise experience. The employees actually understand "customer service". Some of the people on here would die in a fire if the only exit in the room said "Authorized Personnel Only".

You are in so much trouble for saying that. The whistle blowers lips are going to dry out after this statement. Lol. But personally i so agree

[firemanbobswife]

So is it OK then to let other people into the Family Harbor Room or the Havana area when they aren't supposed to be there? Sure, you will probably have the same cabin as your spouse unless you need to split up due to kids or if one of doesn't drink and doesn't want the Cheers package, but it's pretty much the same concept. Unless you are invited, you don't go. I know it's hard for some people to understand and they don't like to be told no. But that's life. Not everyone deserves a trophy and sometimes it's not fair.

 

But I'll quit posting on this now as I have said my piece and it obviously doesn't matter anyway. People are going to disregard things that they don't agree with (such as the wording of the invitations), and prefer to leave it up to their own interpretation.

 

It's Carnivals's policy, not mine. I just hope that they enforce what is written and actually check the invitations at the door as they seem to be doing more of now and turn away those that aren't invited. I wouldn't show up to the Diamond's party and expect to be let in so this isn't any different. But then again I have a thing called integrity which is severely lacking these days. That doesn't make me better than anyone. It makes me different. And we all know how vicious people can be to those that are different. Mostly because they can't understand them. Don't get my words twisted - I am not saying anything bad about OP or others. She asked a question and many gave her answers and opinions. I do not fault her for that at all.

 

I am saying this to the few that feel personal attacks and belittling another person is OK. It's because they feel threatened and only know how to respond negatively and boast about themselves. There is no need for any topic to get personal and certainly no need to attack someone for their view which is different than yours.

 

BTW about the fire thing, nice try. Not true, but a good attempt nonetheless.

[meatloafsfan]

It doesn't "bother" me, as I explained in an earlier post, in the sense that I am not afraid of attending by myself, or speaking to total strangers. My husband could happily go to the casino. It isn't a logistical "big deal;" perhaps that's why you are reading to much into my question. I have zero issue with not going to the party, or going if he is "feeling" the casino,taking a nap etc.

 

What I do take issue with is on a much broader societal level, concerning common manners. I am not traveling with my mom, best friend, cousin etc; I am traveling with my husband. He is my partner in life. Social convention is (or perhaps "was" as our society continually seems to devalue marriage) that is is "rude" to hold a party and attempt to invite only one party to a marriage. It is acceptable to invite a single person, alone, without adding "and guest;" I do not feel that the same is true for married persons. You can invite Miss Smith to your wedding, and not add "and guest," but you shouldn't invite Mrs. Smith and intentionally leave off Mr. Smith - it is rude. To quote Miss Manners - even in those circumstances where the spouse is repugnant:

 

"Common to all social occasions is the question of whether half a couple may be invited. Considering that we no longer know what makes a couple, this is a tricky problem.Marriage is a sure qualifier, which is why those gold-diggers and freeloaders who forced their way into the family get to accompany the blood relatives. So, now, is para-marriage. People who are living together in romantic partnership must also be treated as a social unit.

 

I believe John Heald and others on here inherently recognize that belief. If you do not, then we will simply have to disagree.

 

Except that the Platinum party isn't a "social occasion"; it's an event to recognize your brand loyalty.

Edited November 3, 2016 by meatloafsfan