"Fast Track" Elite status

[floridalover5623]

I suppose that contrary to all those people who say there are too many Elites, Princess doesn't seem to think so.

Why should they? They're selling cruises and it's their goal to sell as many as possible no matter how much it dilutes the benefits for the other Elites.

It's about time they add a true Elite level for those that have been loyal & earned the level by sailing- not by gambling or taking a crash course.

[jb008]

Look up Experian's Mosaic profiles service. I assume that Princess has access to this data, and I imagine they've got a decent estimate as to your status and future spending profile. An IT glitch back in 2013 brought out that Delta was compiling this data as part of a traveler's skymiles accounts (along with estimated income and home value based, with home value and possibly income based mostly on zip code).

 

With both the data we provide Princess as well as what's available from services like Mosaic it's not hard for them to build a high-confidence list of people you would want to prioritize to try to convert into a returning (and loyal) customer.

[frugaltravel]

It's all in my signature line... :cool:

 

For many of us who suppress signature lines, we will never know :cool:

[Thrak]

For many of us who suppress signature lines, we will never know :cool:

 

The signature line merely says, "Not Elite but having fun working on it..."

[Heidi13]

Fast-track to Elite, guess Princess are losing so many Elites they are having to top up the numbers. We were Elite for years, but the standard has reduced to the extent we won't be back.

 

A few free drinks in the mini bar and free laundry, that takes way too many days to come back just isn't worth it.

[gremlinbangles]

The signature line merely says, "Not Elite but having fun working on it..."

nice one and so true

 

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

[GlamorousGirl]

Thanks so much for posting this. I had the time of my life on Crown Princess in March, and I'm confident to call them my preferred line and plan more cruises with them in the future. The only reason we are sailing on some other lines this year is because they were land based casino comps. Otherwise I would have booked Princess again. When I can get back on Princess I'm going to keep this post in mind. We didn't use the casino but we had the deluxe vow renewal package for $500 and paid another $1000 in vow renewal videography and photography, as well as a few hundred in the spa. Maybe if I can beat that next time they will start considering us. We are "late to the game" as far as cruising goes so waiting to have 15 would not be ideal!

[shepp]

Fast-track to Elite, guess Princess are losing so many Elites they are having to top up the numbers. We were Elite for years, but the standard has reduced to the extent we won't be back.

 

A few free drinks in the mini bar and free laundry, that takes way too many days to come back just isn't worth it.

 

I don't get it. On recent cruises, there have been a LOT of Elites. Why would they want to "top up" the numbers? It's not like Princess actually gets all that much from Elites…seems like they're more likely to make bucks out of newbies than from people who don't want to buy yet another photo package or Reflections DVD, who pay to have their laundry done and who haven't yet racked up lots of OBC.

 

AFIK, once you're Elite, you're Elite. Did you get bounced back to a blue card? And what standard has been reduced? The standard of Elite perks? The overall standard of Princess cruises? As many people here mention, most Princess cruises sail full, so - no offense - they'll probably survive without you. There's always Seabourn.

[rbt001]

Why should they? They're selling cruises and it's their goal to sell as many as possible no matter how much it dilutes the benefits for the other Elites.

It's about time they add a true Elite level for those that have been loyal & earned the level by sailing- not by gambling or taking a crash course.

 

Actually I'd say their goal is to operate as profitably as possible.

 

Which is the more valuable passenger you would reward on an ongoing basis:

 

A- Newer to Princess passenger that routinely spends a decent amount on board daily for incidentals such as specialty restaurants, beverages, store purchases, spa treatments, and shore excursions, plus drops money in the casino regularly

 

OR

 

B- Long-time Princess Elite member that never spends anything onboard, makes the cocktail server bring them the free drinks from atrium as they take up a table in Crooners, stack several OBCs which they cash out through the casino and take home as a rebate.

 

Hint: Princess is gonna choose passenger A because passenger B is DEAD (or almost) SPACE, a non-productive buying unit.

 

 

I made it to Elite as a solo traveler with 10 cruises in 2014, the short ones. And it was during that time that I established myself and play in the casino. I've taken 7 cruises since (51 days) and all were comp. I'm sailing on another Carnival brand comp, 14 days in a suite. It will be my first cruise on that brand, and I will be given status in the loyalty program for the cruise. And I think the reason stated is because they appreciate my business and loyalty.

 

I also know that there are more valuable players than I because I sit next to them and can observe. I certainly expect them to get even greater perks than I do. And I certainly do not begrudge them because I feel they've earned it.

 

Go figure!

[rbt001]

Fast-track to Elite, guess Princess are losing so many Elites they are having to top up the numbers. We were Elite for years, but the standard has reduced to the extent we won't be back.

 

A few free drinks in the mini bar and free laundry, that takes way too many days to come back just isn't worth it.

 

Actually it's the other way around: Princess can't drop Elites fast enough! Bones creaking, they spend very little on board and consume far too many perks. Okay, that IS a generality. I'm sure there are some wealthy well-traveled passengers that do spend. But I doubt it's the norm.

[notentirelynormal]

Sheesh. Maybe I should ask the next cruise I'm on. I don't spend that much in the casino but I sure spend my fair share on cruises. One cruise I not only paid for 12 people but I also paid their on board expenses including shore excursions. That didn't cover my expensive new necklace and earnings. The only thing I got for it was the bill. I've spent well over $10,000 on board in just one cruise. Wondering now where my reward is for all that spending. Think I'll ask. Heck last cruise I spent well over $500 just in photos.

 

Yup, I'm gonna ask and I suggest everyone else does too. Not fair because people spend money in the casino they not only get free cruises but escalated status. If I didn't have to pay for 8 cabins I could spend tons in the casino. I've had a friend that lost over $6,000 in one cruise. He didn't get offered a free cruise or more points towards his status.

[neverbeenhere]

Indeed ask. "Having" to pay for cabins will not get you a free cruise, but likely will get you an upgrade or two.

 

If you have friends that are gamblers, they should sign up for comp programs and also be in contact with the casino management from the first day of the cruise.

 

Elite status for someone else does not dilute elite status for you. The difference between 1200 and 1202 Elites on a cruises is not material.

[DYKWIA]

A Nevada casino executive who was a client once told me " There are only two types of people walking out of a casino , liars or losers "

 

So true. I'm the only person who ever loses in a Casino. Everyone else seems to claim they "broke even" or were "slightly ahead". My wife and I usually limit our casino losses to a very modest £100 a day on holiday - so how on earth they build those casinos with our £100 is beyond me, unless.....

 

Given the odds are always in the favour of the house if they can keep you playing it's only a matter of time until you do lose. I reckon in the long run it will work out a lot cheaper to buy the cruises and pay for the drinks and suffer the indignity of not being elite than literally gamble on becoming elite faster!

[mrs and mrs]

Actually it's the other way around: Princess can't drop Elites fast enough! Bones creaking, they spend very little on board and consume far too many perks. Okay, that IS a generality. I'm sure there are some wealthy well-traveled passengers that do spend. But I doubt it's the norm.

 

One may suggest, Le Changing of the Guard.

[floridalover5623]

Sheesh. Maybe I should ask the next cruise I'm on. I don't spend that much in the casino but I sure spend my fair share on cruises. One cruise I not only paid for 12 people but I also paid their on board expenses including shore excursions. That didn't cover my expensive new necklace and earnings. The only thing I got for it was the bill. I've spent well over $10,000 on board in just one cruise. Wondering now where my reward is for all that spending. Think I'll ask. Heck last cruise I spent well over $500 just in photos.

 

Yup, I'm gonna ask and I suggest everyone else does too. Not fair because people spend money in the casino they not only get free cruises but escalated status. If I didn't have to pay for 8 cabins I could spend tons in the casino. I've had a friend that lost over $6,000 in one cruise. He didn't get offered a free cruise or more points towards his status.

There's no doubt that Elites don't spent as much as any newbie. (on any cruise line)

Fresh pockets is the best way to keep a cruise line in the black. The shorter the cruise the better.

I sure we haven't spent a total of near $1,000 on ALL of our cruises with Princess since we began a loooong time ago. That includes all our Princess excursions as well. They surely don't make a lot of money on people like myself who don't buy drinks, photo's, video's, anything in the shops, coffee, excursions or gamble. :D

[Corfe Mixture]

There's no doubt that Elites don't spent as much as any newbie. (on any cruise line)

. :D

 

That is a pretty wide and very generalised statement.

 

My wife and I are both Elite and it certainly doesn't apply to us!!.

 

Some time ago, I calculated that it had cost us over $75,000, in headline stateroom costs alone, to become 'Elite'.

 

OK, so, we do not book our flights through Princess nor do we use the Casino and we also tend to book our own tours. Despite that, we typically spend between $100 and $150 per day when we are onboard, made up of select dining, hairdressing, wine, drinks, gratuities etc.

 

So how much do you think that newbies spend?

 

One of the reasons there are loyalty programs is because many years ago the airlines worked out that it costs ten times as much in marketing costs to attract a new customer than it does to retain an existing customer with the result that spending marketing bucks to generate loyalty is a very cost effective way of generating income. The same study also showed that, if you lose an established customer to a rival, it is virtually impossible to get them back.

 

So, whilst we may not like certain aspects of the Princess loyalty scheme, believe me, if business from new customers was more valuable than business from existing customers, there would be NO loyalty schemes at all and virtually all marketing expense would be focussed on attracting new customers and/or generating 'churn' by enticing customers from other lines, whilst simply hoping that product familiarity means that previous customers will naturally keep coming back.

Edited April 17, 2017 by Corfe Mixture

[floridalover5623]

That is a pretty wide and very generalised statement.

 

My wife and I are both Elite and it certainly doesn't apply to us!!.

 

Some time ago, I calculated that it had cost us over $75,000, in headline stateroom costs alone, to become 'Elite'.

 

OK, so, we do not book our flights through Princess nor do we use the Casino and we also tend to book our own tours. Despite that, we typically spend between $100 and $150 per day when we are onboard, made up of select dining, hairdressing, wine, drinks, gratuities etc.

 

So how much do you think that newbies spend?

Plenty - compared to repeat cruisers. They drink MUCH more, they purchase photo's in greater numbers, excursions are a BIG seller since they made to think they'll be late returning and the ship will leave without them. They've also heard that the sales on board the ships are tremendous in comparison to where they live so they spend freely. I could go on & on but you get the point I'm sure.

One of the reasons there are loyalty programs is because many years ago the airlines worked out that it costs ten times as much in marketing costs to attract a new customer than it does to retain an existing customer with the result that spending marketing bucks to generate loyalty is a very cost effective way of generating income. The same study also showed that, if you lose an established customer to a rival, it is virtually impossible to get them back.

Oh I do agree that the incentive programs are aimed at people returning for up to 20 or so cruises of so but after that it doesn't mean much since people spending drops off considerable.

 

So, whilst we may not like certain aspects of the Princess loyalty scheme, believe me, if business from new customers was more valuable than business from existing customers, there would be NO loyalty schemes at all and virtually all marketing expense would be focussed on attracting new customers and/or generating 'churn' by enticing customers from other lines, whilst simply hoping that product familiarity means that previous customers will naturally keep coming back.

If Princess with their loyalty program could get everyone to sail with them 20 times I'd say they've achieved their goal.

I initially forgot gratuities that should have been included in expenses since it's part of any cruise.

[rbt001]

Sheesh. Maybe I should ask the next cruise I'm on. I don't spend that much in the casino but I sure spend my fair share on cruises. One cruise I not only paid for 12 people but I also paid their on board expenses including shore excursions. That didn't cover my expensive new necklace and earnings. The only thing I got for it was the bill. I've spent well over $10,000 on board in just one cruise. Wondering now where my reward is for all that spending. Think I'll ask. Heck last cruise I spent well over $500 just in photos.

 

Yup, I'm gonna ask and I suggest everyone else does too. Not fair because people spend money in the casino they not only get free cruises but escalated status. If I didn't have to pay for 8 cabins I could spend tons in the casino. I've had a friend that lost over $6,000 in one cruise. He didn't get offered a free cruise or more points towards his status.

 

Bottom Line: If you have to ASK then it means you are NOT on their radar. Princess, just like any large business, spends millions on technology-- and it's not just to make sure your room account is added up correctly. The true value is being able to gather and analyze information about their guests' spending patterns.

 

By your words it sounds like you spent a great deal for rooms when you had a group on board for a cruise--- ONCE. Do you do that with any regularity? Perhaps if you did that a few more times, you'd get their attention.

 

You are aware that Princess does have SOME METHODOLOGY in place to identify and reward those whom they value; that's what this thread is about.

 

I can tell you that it's always embarrassing to watch someone who thinks they're a big spender in the casino venture over to the VIP desk, where they argue and become indignant when they are told no, they cannot have what they are asking for. Years ago in this same land based casino, after just a few initial visits, I was approached at a machine by an executive casino host who introduced them self and asked if there was anything I needed.

 

Again, this is not to diminish the value of you as a loyal customer. Princess does have a published loyalty program where they reward from Ruby through Elite. And Princess also appears to reward other highly valued clients in special ways that are otherwise not published.

 

And isn't it fairly easy to see why Princess does not broadcast these special perks?

 

This thread is part of the answer: passengers who in their OWN MIND feel they are just as deserving, yet Princess has not recognized them. They are sure that Princess has somehow overlooked them. While in reality, Princess has not overlooked them and Princess feels they are adequately compensated.

 

I

[grapau27]

That is a pretty wide and very generalised statement.

 

My wife and I are both Elite and it certainly doesn't apply to us!!.

 

Some time ago, I calculated that it had cost us over $75,000, in headline stateroom costs alone, to become 'Elite'.

 

OK, so, we do not book our flights through Princess nor do we use the Casino and we also tend to book our own tours. Despite that, we typically spend between $100 and $150 per day when we are onboard, made up of select dining, hairdressing, wine, drinks, gratuities etc.

 

So how much do you think that newbies spend?

 

One of the reasons there are loyalty programs is because many years ago the airlines worked out that it costs ten times as much in marketing costs to attract a new customer than it does to retain an existing customer with the result that spending marketing bucks to generate loyalty is a very cost effective way of generating income. The same study also showed that, if you lose an established customer to a rival, it is virtually impossible to get them back.

 

So, whilst we may not like certain aspects of the Princess loyalty scheme, believe me, if business from new customers was more valuable than business from existing customers, there would be NO loyalty schemes at all and virtually all marketing expense would be focussed on attracting new customers and/or generating 'churn' by enticing customers from other lines, whilst simply hoping that product familiarity means that previous customers will naturally keep coming back.

Brilliant post i agree with everything you say.

We are elite and have had balcony or above cabins in 40 of our 43 cruises and spent plenty of money on the ships we have sailed on but never use the casino because we don't gamble.

 

43 cruises and counting.

[floridalover5623]

Brilliant post i agree with everything you say.

We are elite and have had balcony or above cabins in 40 of our 43 cruises and spent plenty of money on the ships we have sailed on but never use the casino because we don't gamble.

 

43 cruises and counting.

Just curious, but hasn't your spending on extras diminished considerable from you first few cruises to today. Ours certainly has. On our last 10 or 15 trips we've had cabin credit that we just don't know what to do with. I send the wife off to spend it in the shops & she can't find anything she hasn't seen before or wants to throw money away on. As far as excursions go, just how many times can you do the same things over & over? We've seen everything we care to many times.

So we just take it back in cash and call it even.

[grapau27]

Just curious, but hasn't your spending on extras diminished considerable from you first few cruises to today. Ours certainly has. On our last 10 or 15 trips we've had cabin credit that we just don't know what to do with. I send the wife off to spend it in the shops & she can't find anything she hasn't seen before or wants to throw money away on. As far as excursions go, just how many times can you do the same things over & over? We've seen everything we care to many times.

So we just take it back in cash and call it even.

We still do tours, specialty restaurants,buy gifts in the shops,drinks in the bars so the only thing we have cut back on are the photos.

 

43 cruises and counting.

[ccruzer123]

Just a thought: Younger newbies tend to purchase lower level cabins, they might start with a window room. As people sail more they tend to move up in cabin levels wanting more room, comfort, amenities and experience. Therefore overall, the repeat cruiser will probably spend more on a room than a young newbie, which can more than make up the difference they are not spending in casino or photos. I also believe that repeat cruisers are more willing to go with an "Up Sell" than a young newbie.

Just a thought.

[floridalover5623]

We still do tours, specialty restaurants,buy gifts in the shops,drinks in the bars so the only thing we have cut back on are the photos.

 

43 cruises and counting.

They need more Elite cruises like you. :cool:

[ian441672]

That is a pretty wide and very generalised statement.

 

My wife and I are both Elite and it certainly doesn't apply to us!!.

 

Some time ago, I calculated that it had cost us over $75,000, in headline stateroom costs alone, to become 'Elite'.

 

OK, so, we do not book our flights through Princess nor do we use the Casino and we also tend to book our own tours. Despite that, we typically spend between $100 and $150 per day when we are onboard, made up of select dining, hairdressing, wine, drinks, gratuities etc.

 

So how much do you think that newbies spend?

 

One of the reasons there are loyalty programs is because many years ago the airlines worked out that it costs ten times as much in marketing costs to attract a new customer than it does to retain an existing customer with the result that spending marketing bucks to generate loyalty is a very cost effective way of generating income. The same study also showed that, if you lose an established customer to a rival, it is virtually impossible to get them back.

 

So, whilst we may not like certain aspects of the Princess loyalty scheme, believe me, if business from new customers was more valuable than business from existing customers, there would be NO loyalty schemes at all and virtually all marketing expense would be focussed on attracting new customers and/or generating 'churn' by enticing customers from other lines, whilst simply hoping that product familiarity means that previous customers will naturally keep coming back.

 

 

Same here - as I said earlier we spent the same before and after we were fast tracked to Elite. Living in the UK, we spend on average £10k per cruise (including flights, some booked with Princess, some not), the last 4 cruises always staying in a suite, and will continue to do so. We always book the majority of tours through Princess, I can spend $2000+ in the casino on average (I win...I lose....have a guess which is the most regular). I have a great cruise, Princess recognised my habits and rewarded accordingly.

 

Incidentally, this last cruise on my last night I was at a machine in the casino and surprisingly was offered a comp drink. I like a cognac, and cheekily I asked for a Remy XO (that has always been laughed at when having being asked on the odd occasion I was also previously offered, as that is the more expensive brand and quality cognac, and I am relegated to the VS variety), but this time it was met with a smile and a decent drink. Not sure if I will get that again, but I made the most of it!

[Corfe Mixture]

Just curious, but hasn't your spending on extras diminished considerable from you first few cruises to today. Ours certainly has...

 

In our case, the answer is NO

 

Yes, we when we first started cruising, we did take ships tours and now do so only rarely. BUT, our onboard spend on extras has not gone down.

 

Why? Because what has happened is that we spend the same amount onboard, just in a different way.

 

For example,

a) when we first started cruising, because the food was included we almost never booked Select Dining, as we didn't see the point, whereas nowadays, we will typically use Select Dining three times on a 14 day cruise.

b) when we started Mrs CM never used the hairdressing facilities whereas now she books to have her hair done at least twice, normally before at sea formal evenings.

c) when we started cruising, because we were aware that autogratuities were charged we never felt the need to reward individuals with additional gratuities.

 

Whilst these three examples come easily to mind, I am sure there are many others, and in our case, our onboard spend budget has certainly not diminished over the years. It has just changed.

Edited April 17, 2017 by Corfe Mixture
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