No more First Cabin Access for Diamonds/Platinums?

[Micahs Grandad]

By discussing it you keep him (and by default his site) in the news. Have you ever met him? He actually is a pretty good guy. As far as I know, every spokesperson for a company follows the same mold. Their boss tells them the message to get across and they do it. You say it like it is a bad thing.... Ask around here, even some of his critics, and I think they will tell you he is a stand up guy and a few were even assisted during trying times.

 

 

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Have sailed with him twice and agree he is a good and very funny guy.

 

The problem is he keeps saying he will always say what he thinks and his bosses will never put words in his mouth but we all know that is not true.

 

He definitely means well and has been very helpful to many people (including myself and DW) but will still parrot the company line when he knows or should know it is false.

[skiingj]

JH is funny but can also be annoying and gross at times. I have meet him and he does appear to be a great guy. He is often very helpful to guests. He can be full of hot air......

 

I got a laugh when he called me the day after we board the Breeze in Europe and asked my wife and I to to come down and get a picture with him. I wasn't interested in any pictures or even a special meeting but he was very nice and generous. This was only because we know someone at CCL...

[bar1068]

I follow JH and really think he's doing a great job at what he does. However, by following him I can see that he gets 95% of his info from this site. Sometimes I think he should just come on here instead of his stupid Q/A thing he does all the time. Whenever he does a poll, you can bet something is about to be taking away or modified.

 

After saying all that, I still would love to have his job...lol

 

Really, his poll's mean something will be taken away or be modified? Damn, I just answered a poll about if I take a nap or not when on a cruise....guess I'll prepare to nap more...or maybe less, depending on what's modified or removed.

[gtonda]

Just got off the Magic this past Saturday, so boarded 1.5 weeks ago. I am platinum and boarded right at 11am. There was no signage saying Platinum could access rooms so I went to Guest Services to ask. The lady told me “I’m sorry that’s no longer a benefit for platinum and diamond. Only FTTF receive this benefit.” I told her I was surprised to hear this because John Heald had not one, but 2 Facebook posts this week saying that was absolutely a rumor. She looked surprised and she asked me to hang on one minute. She went to the back office and talked to someone. She came back a minute later and apologized for the confusion and said I could access the room :confused: Hmm, ok... not sure what changed.

Anyways, we went to our room and it WAS ready and our S&S cards were waiting for us. One of the assistant room attendants was very unhappy with us and started yelling something to the main room steward in a different language. Luckily, our main room steward was amazing. He smiled at us and welcomed us aboard.

 

 

Long story short, it’s not gone yet. But, if I had to bet, it will be gone shortly.

 

If your room was ready, I wonder why he cared that you went in?

[Thorncroft]

I'm hearing numerous reports from current Plat and Diamond cruisers who are saying that they've been turned away, or their room wasn't ready, or they've been confronted about trying to get in. The smoke is getting thicker while the BA is valiantly trying to extinguish fires all around him.

[BlerkOne]

I'm hearing numerous reports from current Plat and Diamond cruisers who are saying that they've been turned away, or their room wasn't ready, or they've been confronted about trying to get in. The smoke is getting thicker while the BA is valiantly trying to extinguish fires all around him.

 

Obviously amateurs. There certainly is some smoke.

[Micahs Grandad]

I'm hearing numerous reports from current Plat and Diamond cruisers who are saying that they've been turned away, or their room wasn't ready, or they've been confronted about trying to get in. The smoke is getting thicker while the BA is valiantly trying to extinguish fires all around him.

 

Where there is smoke there is fire and no question plats and diamonds will be getting reduced loyalty benefits in near future

[DallasGuy75219]

I'm hearing numerous reports from current Plat and Diamond cruisers who are saying that they've been turned away, or their room wasn't ready, or they've been confronted about trying to get in. The smoke is getting thicker while the BA is valiantly trying to extinguish fires all around him.

With all the cuts over the last few years, I've been looking for a reason to exercise the satisfaction guarantee. If they try this, I just may have that reason when I turn Diamond on Splendor next month. After I collect my Premier casino cash and stockholder credit, of course[emoji16]

 

And then do it again on my Premier casino cruise on the Dream in September.

 

Carnival won't stop the cuts until the fallout costs them more (from the satisfaction guarantee or lost revenue) than they gain from cutting costs, adding more upcharges, and selling more FTTF instead of giving it away to Plats and Diamonds.

 

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[E@syPe@zy]

I'll be platinum on my next cruise and honestly was looking forward to all of the perks.

I would say the problem is the actual number of plats and diamonds on any given cruise and they are having issues with getting all of those rooms turned around on embarkation day. But then they are selling the FTTF which allows the same opportunity of getting to your room as soon as you get on board. And probably the reason we are hearing problems with some people, but not all has to do with the actual cruise. It appears that longer cruises appeal to those who are plat. & diam. and the shorter cruises do not.

I'm just speculating. I know the seasoned cruisers probably know 100 X what I know. So take it for what it's worth.

[Organized Chaos]

With all the cuts over the last few years, I've been looking for a reason to exercise the satisfaction guarantee. If they try this, I just may have that reason when I turn Diamond on Splendor next month. After I collect my Premier casino cash and stockholder credit, of course[emoji16]

 

And then do it again on my Premier casino cruise on the Dream in September.

 

Carnival won't stop the cuts until the fallout costs them more (from the satisfaction guarantee or lost revenue) than they gain from cutting costs, adding more upcharges, and selling more FTTF instead of giving it away to Plats and Diamonds.

So you're going to take advantage of the free perks they give you, then complain afterwards...two times? That's basically the equivalent of someone who eats an entire meal in a restaurant, then demands a refund because they had a problem with it. With "loyal" customers like that, is it any wonder they'd want to change things.

[CaFireCaptain]

We did the Freedom last week and had no problem going to the room at about 1130am, we had a ocean suite and when we checked in at the dock the lady said we could go straight to our room. Key was in the box and met our awesome room steward.

 

 

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[DallasGuy75219]

So you're going to take advantage of the free perks they give you, then complain afterwards...two times? That's basically the equivalent of someone who eats an entire meal in a restaurant, then demands a refund because they had a problem with it. With "loyal" customers like that, is it any wonder they'd want to change things.

Not really an accurate analogy.... The satisfaction guarantee has to be invoked within 24 hours of departure, so it's more like deciding I don't want to stay for the rest of the meal after finding a roach in my appetizer. Only on Carnival, it would be mold on the strawberries in the 'complimentary chocolate delight' they gave me to reward my "loyalty".

 

I might be more loyal at this point if the tens of thousands of dollars (probably over $100k in total actually) I've spent on Carnival wasn't "rewarded" with increasingly crappier service and decreasing benefits. Not to mention benefits that were further cut after I made my existing reservations, e.g. FTTF at no charge.

 

That's the risk they take in offering the satisfaction guarantee. Just think of me as the invisible hand of the free market helping Carnival to find the point at which their cuts and upcharges hurt them more than they benefit them.

 

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[emm126]

This is the sign on Glory in October. I even mentioned in my review that I wondered if they were going to be taking away early cabin access.

 

I think the signs just changed because people ignored the previous signs (Diamond, Platinum and FTF come on in or whatever it said) I think many thought how will anyone know what level I am, I will just go to my cabin. New sign might stop that from happen, If you know you are allowed, you will go in. I do.:)

[Micahs Grandad]

With all the cuts over the last few years, I've been looking for a reason to exercise the satisfaction guarantee. If they try this, I just may have that reason when I turn Diamond on Splendor next month. After I collect my Premier casino cash and stockholder credit, of course[emoji16]

 

And then do it again on my Premier casino cruise on the Dream in September.

 

Carnival won't stop the cuts until the fallout costs them more (from the satisfaction guarantee or lost revenue) than they gain from cutting costs, adding more upcharges, and selling more FTTF instead of giving it away to Plats and Diamonds.

 

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I am not happy with the cutbacks but this is not the right way to deal with it.

[nidaco]

I am leaving on the Carnival Vista April 15th and will report back if we're (Platinum) able to go straight to our cabins once we board.(yn) Happy cruising!

[2Shoes2Go]

Tomorrow we sail on Fantasy. We have been able to get to know many officers and crew on her, over the years. We will see what they know, and will tell us, if anything, about changes.

Fantasy, however, isn't the same environment, to us, as the larger ships. Maybe we should all start asking questions,

[AmBear]

Just a trend. it is not that difficult to get platinum and there are thousands sailing every week. It isn't that exclusive. So, what's going to happen, when it's "common" for half the ship to qualify? (already happens) and people seem to think they are on a private yacht? There is no way, the ship can provide this in a timely manner.

 

How about a compromise by Carnival,,,,allow us to get our keys, drop off our luggage, then vacate your room until 130, that way we don't have to haul around a carry on!;p

[BlerkOne]

How about a compromise by Carnival,,,,allow us to get our keys, drop off our luggage, then vacate your room until 130, that way we don't have to haul around a carry on!;p

 

How can the steward clean if your stuff is in the way? How does the steward know what is your stuff vs what might have been left behind?

[Jamman54]

JH is still swearing up and down that early cabin access has NOT been taken away from Plats and Diamonds. We have two cruises this month on different ships, so we shall see...:cool:

[Micahs Grandad]

How can the steward clean if your stuff is in the way? How does the steward know what is your stuff vs what might have been left behind?

 

One suitcase and laptop left in a closet will not really stop the steward from cleaning will it?

 

BTW the idea was the steward and his asst would do diamond and platinum first.

[MaineBirdBrain]

JH is still swearing up and down that early cabin access has NOT been taken away from Plats and Diamonds. We have two cruises this month on different ships, so we shall see...:cool:

 

Giving the statement he is making and the level of clarity he is saying it with, I see 2 choices: Believe him and let this go or call him a liar and never believe anything he ever says. I am not sure how people can be happy purchasing a product from a company that has a brand ambassador that they believe is constantly lying. I don't know why people would purchase under those terms. Do they enjoy the fight? Personally, I am moving on from this discussion and all threads that banter this topic. I am going to choose that he is telling the truth. Enjoy your fight. You guys are really conflicted. I would not ever purchase from a company that I believed acted in the way you accuse it of doing. Why do you guys purchase from them if you think they are constantly lying? Do you enjoy the fight?

 

To be clear. These are rhetorical questions. I won't see the answers. I am moving on to the next tin foil hat conspiracy. Swing away. You won't meet opposition from me.

 

And to the person I am quoting. I am not directing this at you. I just quoted you because you referenced John's statement.

[dlm0920]

I actually like JH very much but IMO he is handling this very poorly. Instead of criticizing customers for sharing their experiences, he should be circling back with CCL management and let them know he is hearing that this policy is not being applied consistently across the ships. He needs to recommend they roll out better communication and direction on this topic to the CREW. I believe the crew is doing the best with the information & direction they have been given.

Edited April 6, 2018 by dlm0920
typo clarification

[BlerkOne]

One suitcase and laptop left in a closet will not really stop the steward from cleaning will it?

 

BTW the idea was the steward and his asst would do diamond and platinum first.

 

I guess you have never seen how some people pack or how they can trash a cabin in 30 seconds flat.

 

When all the passengers are priority, which cabins do they do first?

[Thorncroft]

John is either being straight in this reply, or he's playing word games. He says the D&Ps still CAN have the option of early boarding and room access. Does that mean that nothing has really changed, or does it mean that they have the option to buy FTTF? Or, is he speaking about D&Ps still boarding earlier than than the RBGs, but after FTTF? Either way, he hasn't cleared anything up with his non answer and he may just be word shifting so that he's a not actually lying.

[Organized Chaos]

Not really an accurate analogy.... The satisfaction guarantee has to be invoked within 24 hours of departure, so it's more like deciding I don't want to stay for the rest of the meal after finding a roach in my appetizer. Only on Carnival, it would be mold on the strawberries in the 'complimentary chocolate delight' they gave me to reward my "loyalty".

 

I might be more loyal at this point if the tens of thousands of dollars (probably over $100k in total actually) I've spent on Carnival wasn't "rewarded" with increasingly crappier service and decreasing benefits. Not to mention benefits that were further cut after I made my existing reservations, e.g. FTTF at no charge.

 

That's the risk they take in offering the satisfaction guarantee. Just think of me as the invisible hand of the free market helping Carnival to find the point at which their cuts and upcharges hurt them more than they benefit them.

 

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You yourself said you plan to take the premier casino cash and stockholders credit they give you as a loyalty perk, then invoke the satisfaction guarantee. And you plan to do it twice, no less. So am I correct in saying you will use those two benefits within the 24-hour period you have to invoke the guarantee, then take advantage of said guarantee to get your refund? If that's the case, then you are "eating your meal," then demanding a refund for it. And you seek to do it, not once, but twice in the near future. That is most definitely not using a company's satisfaction guarantee as it's intended. You're complaining about the product, but are going to take your free goodies and run, all the while demanding a refund. Then, in a few months, you're going to return to the very product you're complaining about just so you can do it again. By doing this, you're no hero to consumers or the free market. You're taking advantage of the system to benefit yourself and all it accomplishes is causing companies to rethink the way in which they issue guarantees. Who knows, those who may want to legitimately use these guarantees, as intended, in the future may not be able to because of actions like this.