Are Elite Perks Generous Enough?

[cruzsnooze]

So are you pinnacle on RCI? On our last few cruises Suite & pinnacle guests only received this privileged....at least on the ships we were on.

 

 

..

Did they take away the seating for Diamond plus?

[Cobraman]

We regularly enjoy afternoon tea and choosing the canapés we like. We utilize the free laundry, since the last thing I want to do is wash my clothes while cruising. The secret on the laundry service is don't wait a week to send it out, on longer cruises we bundle up three days worth and send it out, and repeat the process so we always have fresh stuff coming back. A perk is a perk, so we try and capitalize on as many as we can, but don't expect they will add any new ones. I agree with the thought that longer/frequent elite travelers spend less on high profit items like photos, excursions, etc. They need to expand the number of newer passengers rather than reward loyalty members who have learned to economize the experience.

[land lover]

I am an pax that spends plenty on my OBA....and would love to get a benefit from that....I also have left quite a bit in the casinos, but am not a consistent player so never have been offered a casino rate.

 

My reason for cruising is the simplicity of it.....leave everything to Princess..and the added bonus traveling with like minded people. I can book a trip with an FCD, 200 down or 100 if I am gng solo....and don't have to worry about losing a deposit...until a few months out.....now I can even book EZair and at least have my pricing guaranteed. What other get away gives me this flexibility...or for that matter what other cruise line?

 

I look at what Princess offers me...presently.. they are offering the above with little risk which works into my totally unpredictable life. Thru the years, I have paid so many change fees and lost so many deposits. Like I said, I like the flexibility and do to that I am probably traveling more internationally.

[PescadoAmarillo]

I don’t believe Princess will ever add to their Elite perks, simply because they don’t have to. Perks exist not for our benefit but for Princess’, to keep guests returning again and again. We already are; what would Princess gain by adding more incentives?

 

At this point, Princess’ only competition for my vacation funds is not another cruise line. It’s a land vacation. The only additional perk I would really enjoy would be unlimited internet. That would entice me to choose Princess over a non-cruise vacation.

 

I also don’t believe Princess will add a Super Elite level. Again, it doesn’t need to. Anyone with 500 or 1000 days is committed to Princess. The only way I see that happening is if Princess cuts back on Elite benefits and keeps the current benefits for those with 1000 days or more.

[land lover]

We regularly enjoy afternoon tea and choosing the canapés we like. We utilize the free laundry, since the last thing I want to do is wash my clothes while cruising. The secret on the laundry service is don't wait a week to send it out, on longer cruises we bundle up three days worth and send it out, and repeat the process so we always have fresh stuff coming back. A perk is a perk, so we try and capitalize on as many as we can, but don't expect they will add any new ones. I agree with the thought that longer/frequent elite travelers spend less on high profit items like photos, excursions, etc. They need to expand the number of newer passengers rather than reward loyalty members who have learned to economize the experience.

 

I hope you take photos of those clothes too....I send out every other day( our longest cruise 21days) however it increases the greater likelihood for things to go missing....and I have had a few items lost(a beautiful dress:loudcry:) and DH shirts ripped.....it is more work for your attendant...but easier to keep track of everything.

 

 

Interesting thing about excursions..when we first started cruising pretty much your only choice was the cruise line ...then with the CC, internet and less expensive internationals calls, options became more available to make plans on your own...

 

But my last few cruises Princess, I have used only Princess excursions.....most of them 200 bucks a pop......it's just easier....and I am traveling to see something not to stay on the ship or just go to a local market.

 

Enjoy

Edited March 19, 2018 by land lover

[EightFurryPaws]

I can't come up with a good reason why both myself and husband are elite, and we each get all the benefits except the mini bar.

 

It would be great to each have a mini bar when taking a month or longer trip. We both earned it.

 

Pam

[paul929207]

Pam,

Other things that are one to a cabin for elites are the Loyalty credit and the Shareholder OBC

[Waynetor]

The mini bar set that is given is really 2 setups. Each cabin gets 2 identical mini bar setups that consist 1 of each item per person.

 

Single passengers get both since they have paid double.

 

Technically someone travelling with a passenger under 21 would only get a single but Princess gives the double as its less hassle.

[DougH]

 

I also don’t believe Princess will add a Super Elite level. Again, it doesn’t need to. Anyone with 500 or 1000 days is committed to Princess. The only way I see that happening is if Princess cuts back on Elite benefits and keeps the current benefits for those with 1000 days or more.

 

 

1000 days? It took me long enough to get to 500+ lol

[floridalover5623]

I don’t believe Princess will ever add to their Elite perks, simply because they don’t have to. Perks exist not for our benefit but for Princess’, to keep guests returning again and again. We already are; what would Princess gain by adding more incentives?

 

At this point, Princess’ only competition for my vacation funds is not another cruise line. It’s a land vacation. The only additional perk I would really enjoy would be unlimited internet. That would entice me to choose Princess over a non-cruise vacation.

Many land resorts include it for free.

I also don’t believe Princess will add a Super Elite level. Again, it doesn’t need to. Anyone with 500 or 1000 days is committed to Princess. The only way I see that happening is if Princess cuts back on Elite benefits and keeps the current benefits for those with 1000 days or more.

I'm not sure I would agree with that part of your post.

Why wouldn't an Elite cruiser sail more days if they thought they could benefit my reaching the next level?

They sailed more days to get to Elite, didn't they? What makes you think they would't continue to reach the next level even faster?

Even if there weren't any $$ incentive, just recognition by some means would give them the push to get there.

[vmom]

I'm fine with the Elite perks as they are.

 

I also cruise other cruise lines, and frankly, I think the Princess perks are much better than the other cruise lines.

 

I have heard/read complaints about wanting free drinks as part of the perks offered such as a lounge, but many elites such as myself don't drink alcohol or enjoy going to a lounge. I like that Princess offers the mini-bar set up which allows each passenger to use it according to their style, whether it be for enjoying a pre-dinner drink or trading the mini-bar for coffee cards ( my preference).

 

Keep in mine when comparing other perks from other cruise lines that the ones that offer an elite style lounge with free alcohol, don't offer a mini-bar set up. For me I much prefer the mini-bar options to trade.

 

I agree on one point...cruises of less than 6 days should not be counted in the total count to reach elite...or go by days of cruising only. For those that cruise solo (and I often do), cruise lines that go by number of days, double the amount of days credited for solo fares.

[land lover]

I'm not sure I would agree with that part of your post.

Why wouldn't an Elite cruiser sail more days if they thought they could benefit my reaching the next level?

They sailed more days to get to Elite, didn't they? What makes you think they would't continue to reach the next level even faster?

Even if there weren't any $$ incentive, just recognition by some means would give them the push to get there.

 

I agree.....

When one gets enough days for a free cruise, which many lines offer, I would say that is motivation..especially if your main purpose is to be "pampered" and ports are insignificant.........

 

Recognition...and that is really important to some......

[EightFurryPaws]

Hi Paul,

 

Just as a reminder, Shareholder OBC are for any stock holder, not just Elite.:D:D:D

 

Happy Cruising!!

Pam

[-Lew-]

The mini bar set that is given is really 2 setups. Each cabin gets 2 identical mini bar setups that consist 1 of each item per person.

 

Single passengers get both since they have paid double.

 

Technically someone travelling with a passenger under 21 would only get a single but Princess gives the double as its less hassle.

I've never heard of anyone receiving one of each item. No, a Mini Bar setup consists of two of each of the following:

 

Courvoisier VS

Beefeater Gin

Skyy Vodka

Dewar's Scotch Whisky

Dos Equis Beer

 

Coke

Sprite

Tonic Water

Perrier

Bottled Water

This is regardless of how many or the ages of those occupying a cabin. The only exception is when a suite is occupied by elite level cruisers, in which case they would receive two Mini Bar setups.

[paul929207]

I have never heard it referred to as 2 mini bar setups. In fact many of the trades (for a bottle of wine or two coffee cards) are only for the entire setup.

[nukesubsailor]

when a suite is occupied by elite level cruisers, in which case they would receive two Mini Bar setups.

 

The second mini bar setup is not automatically delivered to your cabin. You must call room service and ask for it or ask to exchange it for coffee cards, sodas, a bottle of wine or what ever other exchange is allowed.

[PrincessE]

Some people really do use and appreciate those perks. I’m fine with the current Elite perks. Would I like more? Sure! Not only do I get the perks but I get the Loyalty OBC as well. That extra $100 on every cruise regardless of length is nice.

 

Pam, what is the Loyalty OBC? I"m Elite and I don't recall having ever received a Loyalty OBC with the exception of an OBC being offered with a promotion.

[-Lew-]

The second mini bar setup is not automatically delivered to your cabin. You must call room service and ask for it or ask to exchange it for coffee cards, sodas, a bottle of wine or what ever other exchange is allowed.

True... We experienced this for the first time on the Royal in January and February of this year.

 

We've cruised in a suite on the Royal each winter since her inaugural Caribbean cruise. Until this year we have never had to ask for the second Mini Bar setup. Room service knows which suites are booked by elites and should provide the second setup without requiring them to call them. This new course of inaction leads me to believe they're hoping they can save a few $$ by not providing a second setup to those who may deserve it, but just aren't aware.

[memoak]

I am glad I have to call to get the 2nd mini bar setup in a suite - they take up alot of room especially in the fridge.

[MrMan]

My biggest issue with the Captain Circle Program is that it is based on Sea Days and Cruise Credits. It should be based on Sea Days Only. It is not fair to reach Elite status by doing a bunch of short cruises. Just saying...

 

Why not, the line makes more money on onboard spending with short trips. Example if one budgets one specialty dinner, or duty free purchase per cruise, the line makes more money with turnover of those passengers on multiple cruises, rather than the same crowd on one long cruise.

 

If the line was smart, it would be based upon total spend fare + onboard the way hotels and some airlines do. That would be a better indicator of loyalty. You would reward high spenders be it fare choice, excursion purchase, casino spend, rather than the crowd that won't buy a drink now that happy hour is gone, doesn't spend a dime in the casinos, and schedules off ship excursions.

[dolfansam]

I've never heard of anyone receiving one of each item. No, a Mini Bar setup consists of two of each of the following:

 

Courvoisier VS

Beefeater Gin

Skyy Vodka

Dewar's Scotch Whisky

Dos Equis Beer

 

Coke

Sprite

Tonic Water

Perrier

Bottled Water

This is regardless of how many or the ages of those occupying a cabin. The only exception is when a suite is occupied by elite level cruisers, in which case they would receive two Mini Bar setups.

 

I am going on my first elite level cruise in April. Can we trade out items we don't like for something else? I am looking forward to the free laundry because we will be on a 15 day Hawaiian cruise. It will help lighten the luggage load.

[neverbeenhere]

Yes you can exchange items you don't like.

Edited March 19, 2018 by neverbeenhere

[dolfansam]

You can trade ALL items for 2 coffee cards. No, partial trading.

 

 

 

Ok thanks.

 

 

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[paul929207]

I am going on my first elite level cruise in April. Can we trade out items we don't like for something else? I am looking forward to the free laundry because we will be on a 15 day Hawaiian cruise. It will help lighten the luggage load.

Yes, but they have a limited selection. The four pairs of alcohol can be traded for more of another one. That is two scotch can be traded for two vodka. The same is true for the others, 2 cokes can be traded for 2 diet cokes. Cokes cannot be traded for scotch.

[dolfansam]

Yes, but they have a limited selection. The four pairs of alcohol can be traded for more of another one. That is two scotch can be traded for two vodka. The same is true for the others, 2 cokes can be traded for 2 diet cokes. Cokes cannot be traded for scotch.

 

 

 

That makes sense. Thank you.

 

 

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