Better deals for those with Red cards than Platinum with CCL

[HawkIVette]

I have only been on 2 cruises so I am only a red card but I have #3 and #4 booked. My first cruise we took one of my daughters friends with us and I used my email for her and like you I very rarely get emails and she gets one almost every other day with deals.

I really challenge some of you to check out these "deals".

The emails do exactly what some of you are talking about- to get you to jump on a cruise because there is a "sale".

 

Most of the deals you see on emails are relly not a deal at all. Do a mock booking (one when you are logged in and another when you are not). Or in some of your cases, mock book under the two guests name to really see the difference.

 

Unless you have a casino deal or a special rate, most of these "deals" are $40-$60 difference. Not that is isn't worth getting. But as I said before, becoming Platinum is worth more than that. Carnival is a inexpensive cruise line and I have never had a complaint or a bad cruise so far. I stick with my Platinum perks.

[asalligo]

I see this almost daily also. My daughter has a VIFP and provided one of my email addresses when she signed up, but she entered college a few years ago and has not been cruising with is lately due to scheduling conflicts (her spring break is different). She gets tons of offers I do not get. I see the thought of the model though, why should Carnival feed more to the horse already coming to the stall instead of using the grain to lure the other back.

 

My next cruise is with RC though, lets see if that gets them motivated. They may not even notice.

[Georgie562]

SOOOO frustrated with Carnival right now. I am ready to book a cruise. Credit card in hand. I have been platinum for several years. Surprisingly, I get very few email offers for deals, but a friend of mine, who cruised with me a few years back and had my email address on her booking, is getting them DAILY! Reduced prices, reduced deposits, upgrades, but NOTHING for my platinum status. I've watched CCL go cheap on a lot of things over the years, but you would think that they would want to keep their customers who have been loyal to them coming back. I even called to see if they had anything they can offer; I just got an apology...but no deals. Guess I will be booking an all-inclusive at a resort, instead of taking a cruise. :mad::mad:Anyone else encounter this issue?

 

why not just try another cruise line? There are deals to be found you just have to shop around. I stay loyal to NO cruise line.

[Homosassa]

Of course they make better offers to try and attract new cruisers.

 

The big problem is attracting cruisers who frequent other lines because of the "second" class treatment a new cruiser receives on board a Carnival cruise.

 

Want to talk to Guest Services? Stand in a very long line while others get to cut the line and walk right up.

 

Want to tender ashore? Stand on line and watch the "special" cruisers be escorted to cut the line.

 

Sign up for a check in time? Sure, and watch others walk in and board whenever they wish once boarding has started.

 

The example are numerous and while many of you feel you "earned" those rights, it really doesn't make a real good impression on experience cruisers from other lines.

 

And no, one is not treated so obviously as second class on other lines as a first timer. There may be benefits as a repeat customer (and I have very high status in some lines' loyalty programs), but it is more discreet and better done.

 

My personal yardstick for an onboard experience is that the first time cruiser on that line is treated no different than the cruiser on their fiftieth cruise with the line (as I said, any repeat privileges are discreet). Carnival falls short in this aspect.

[tallnthensome]

Remenber, being platinum gets you on the ship faster and it to your cabin right away, basically FTTF. You call it weak perks, but people are paying $60 per cabin, and now upwords to $90 a cabin. All the weak perks add up to around $100 per cruise or more. I like Platinum weak perks.

I would rather pay for FTTF on the few select sailings that I choose with Carnival. You've sailed with Carnival a lot and if that's all that they give you then I have to say again, it's weak. I would never sail Carnival that many times on the same ships without venturing elseware. I sail Carnival, MSC, NCL, Holland, Royal, Princess, etc. I'd feel like I've limited myself with Carnival more than anything else ..... Its taken you tens of thousands of dollars to achieve little more than what a $90 one time FTTF payment by anyone can get. If you feel that somehow CCL makes you feel special and Platinum more power to you but it's tinfoil perks to me to stay that faithful.

[jwjax]

So you say theirs is $80 cheaper for the same exact thing.

 

Well, isn't the Platinum benefits worth at least that?

Getting on the ship faster.

Getting to your room quicker.

Laundry service.

Private party with free drinks and hors d'oeuvre.

Plus, don't forget, your free drink card.

I am platinum and would sure hate to go back to start again on another cruise line, even if it were $80 cheaper per cruise.

 

See the items I marked in red. Platinum Benefits and "Free Drink" card??? All platinum guests get a card for 1 free drink. Is that what you were referring to??

[WIFamily]

Just a guess, but I think it's tied to you visiting / searching for cruises while logged in or having a cookie present. I went about a year without any offers, and once we started planning things out, searching and comparing, I started getting offers very frequently.

[HawkIVette]

 

Want to talk to Guest Services? Stand in a very long line while others get to cut the line and walk right up.

 

Want to tender ashore? Stand on line and watch the "special" cruisers be escorted to cut the line.

 

Sign up for a check in time? Sure, and watch others walk in and board whenever they wish once boarding has started.

 

See the items I marked in red. Platinum Benefits and "Free Drink" card??? All platinum guests get a card for 1 free drink. Is that what you were referring to??

 

No, it is not just about the free drink. Actually, the way I stated it was a bit of tounge in cheek. You apperantly didn't pick up on that.

 

Acyually Homosassa states even more reasons to become Platinum. And no, I don't think I am special because I am Platinum or better than anybody else. But if they are going to give me the perks, I certainly will use them.

 

But this whole thread startd ut as Platinum vs. Red card. So yes, the Platinum perks are a factor as to why I sail on Carnival. The main reason is the price of the cruise and itineraries. Both of what I find to be a good deal. After 21 cruises and 153 days at sea, I receive several offers every couple of months or so. I don't see good offers in the email but in the "My Offers" section of the VIFP page. That's why I suggested people check there instead of getting upset because the email offers are not very good.

Just an example, my upcoming Panama Canal cruise in 17 days is over half price of normal. Who else of you can say you are sailing a 10 day Panama Canal for $958 Total Cost (2 people, Inside cabin Fantasy class ship). I would say that is a pretty good deal.

[tallnthensome]

Just an example, my upcoming Panama Canal cruise in 17 days is over half price of normal. Who else of you can say you are sailing a 10 day Panama Canal for $958 Total Cost (2 people, Inside cabin Fantasy class ship). I would say that is a pretty good deal.

I will agree that is an amazing deal .... too amazing. The gratuites and taxes alone are over $600. I see the last minute inside guarantee for residents total is $2100 on that cruise and..... that's last minute. I don't believe you are sailing for $475 a person for 10 days including gratuites, taxes, and port charges. $958 a piece maybe, but $300? ..... prove it otherwise. :confused:

[buddylover]

I receive several offers every couple of months or so. I don't see good offers in the email but in the "My Offers" section of the VIFP page. That's why I suggested people check there instead of getting upset because the email offers are not very good.

Just an example, my upcoming Panama Canal cruise in 17 days is over half price of normal. Who else of you can say you are sailing a 10 day Panama Canal for $958 Total Cost (2 people, Inside cabin Fantasy class ship). I would say that is a pretty good deal.

May I ask what your offers in your "VIFP Page" are??? I too am Platinum and the same "room upgrade" (which is BS) is ALL I have ever received in my "Special Offers" section of the VIFP page???? I find what you say very hard to believe , both about your 'offers' that the rest of us don't receive and your "too good to be true" cost of your Panama Canal cruise.

[Joebucks]

I would rather pay for FTTF on the few select sailings that I choose with Carnival. You've sailed with Carnival a lot and if that's all that they give you then I have to say again, it's weak. I would never sail Carnival that many times on the same ships without venturing elseware. I sail Carnival, MSC, NCL, Holland, Royal, Princess, etc. I'd feel like I've limited myself with Carnival more than anything else ..... Its taken you tens of thousands of dollars to achieve little more than what a $90 one time FTTF payment by anyone can get. If you feel that somehow CCL makes you feel special and Platinum more power to you but it's tinfoil perks to me to stay that faithful.

 

For me, I agree that trying the other lines is a good thing. I also agree that sailing a line because of the loyalty status alone is a bit silly.

 

Although, everyone has different needs/wants. Some people have very basic needs. Some need to be dazzled all of the time. A loyalty status could be that icing on the cake for some.

[mom2tcdx2]

Pretty much things like reduced deposits are for all bookings, not just certain ones. Basically also depends on what you book Early Saver, non-early saver etc. Only other rates I have seen cheaper were Casino offers, which float around every now and again. If you aren't getting emails then most likely you have told Carnival that you don't wish to be contacted by email. Or they have your account marked as such.

[mom2tcdx2]

May I ask what your offers in your "VIFP Page" are??? I too am Platinum and the same "room upgrade" (which is BS) is ALL I have ever received in my "Special Offers" section of the VIFP page???? I find what you say very hard to believe , both about your 'offers' that the rest of us don't receive and your "too good to be true" cost of your Panama Canal cruise.

 

 

I had a cruise offer a few years ago took the Breeze the week of Christmas in an inside cabin for $300. Then turned around and booked a cruise in January on the Freedom also for $300, and both gave me back $100 OBC. Haven't had prices that good since. Though my last casino offer did save me $400 on my Journey's cruise in January.

[Georgie562]

Just an example, my upcoming Panama Canal cruise in 17 days is over half price of normal. Who else of you can say you are sailing a 10 day Panama Canal for $958 Total Cost (2 people, Inside cabin Fantasy class ship). I would say that is a pretty good deal.

 

 

Norwegian Cruise Line can say :). They currently have a 10 day Panama Canal AND Cuba cruise for $449 plus $416 for taxes/port fees per person for an inside on newly refurbished NCL Sun.

Want perks? Pay an additional $150 per person and you'll get a beverage package (majority choose this), 250 wifi minutes, $50 per port excursion credit, 120 ship to shore phone call minutes.

Now that seems like a good deal to me. I am no cheerleader for any line but shopping around is the way to go.

Edited August 30, 2018 by Georgie562

[remob4]

Have you tried calling Carnival and asking them about it? The first thing I would do if I was getting someone else's name on my emails is contact them to get it corrected. CCL isn't out to punish loyal customers, and they will be more than happy to help fix your issues.

[HawkIVette]

I will agree that is an amazing deal .... too amazing. The gratuites and taxes alone are over $600. I see the last minute inside guarantee for residents total is $2100 on that cruise and..... that's last minute. I don't believe you are sailing for $475 a person for 10 days including gratuites, taxes, and port charges. $958 a piece maybe, but $300? ..... prove it otherwise. :confused:

 

May I ask what your offers in your "VIFP Page" are??? I too am Platinum and the same "room upgrade" (which is BS) is ALL I have ever received in my "Special Offers" section of the VIFP page???? I find what you say very hard to believe , both about your 'offers' that the rest of us don't receive and your "too good to be true" cost of your Panama Canal cruise.

 

Not that I have to prove it to anyone, but here goes.

 

First off, I was wrong. It wasn't $958 total cost. It was $938. But then I added Carnvial insurance. Didn't have to, but it was a great deal also. Only another $98 total.

 

So my cruise was actual cost to me of $1038. Oh, and just to rub it in, I also got a $200 OBC.

 

[HawkIVette]

May I ask what your offers in your "VIFP Page" are??? I too am Platinum and the same "room upgrade" (which is BS) is ALL I have ever received in my "Special Offers" section of the VIFP page???? I find what you say very hard to believe , both about your 'offers' that the rest of us don't receive and your "too good to be true" cost of your Panama Canal cruise.

I currently have offers of;

 

PTF - Dealer's Choice - Exclusive Offer

PC3 - Premier Cruises - Exclusive Casino Offer

P8V - Getaway Cruises - Exclusive Casino Offer

DP3 - Past Guest Offer with 2-category Upgrade

DP2 - Past Guest Offer with Choice of Stateroom

[tallnthensome]

Not that I have to prove it to anyone, but here goes.

 

First off, I was wrong. It wasn't $958 total cost. It was $938. But then I added Carnvial insurance. Didn't have to, but it was a great deal also. Only another $98 total.

 

So my cruise was actual cost to me of $1038. Oh, and just to rub it in, I also got a $200 OBC.

 

$150 for a 10 PC Cruise ...... How is that even possible? This was simply offered to you at that rate? No catches? No cruise credit? I'm in disbelief that they simply made you an offer for that rate unless you had some sort of comp or certificate.

[HawkIVette]

$150 for a 10 PC Cruise ...... How is that even possible? This was simply offered to you at that rate? No catches? No cruise credit? I'm in disbelief that they simply made you an offer for that rate unless you had some sort of comp or certificate.

It was a casino offer, which I found to good to be true also. But I wasn't about to wait for them to pull it back if it was a mistake.

 

Editted: No, no comps other than the casino offer, and no certificates. We have had a couple of cruises where we missed a port and they gave us a 25% discount on future cruises, if that's what you mean.

Edited August 30, 2018 by HawkIVette
added more info.

[txsquare]

Okay now lets see if I got this correct. You are getting the emails. But they have her info. Sounds to me more of a computer clitch then anything. Most likely what happened was some how when you cruise together her name was listed first on the booking. We get the same thing I gent emails almost daily from carnival with my wife's info. She gets almost none. Our cruise history is the same.

 

The only problem with that is when I called Carnvial and they looked under my number, there are no offers available to me at this time.

[foxglove]

OK. Here is my take. My wife gets those offers at my email and I do not. We have different last names. She has never booked a Carnival cruise, I book our travel. I am diamond she is platinum. I have booked before through a travel agent. I wonder if that is the reason they do not market to me directly. Cruise lines walk a very thin line when it comes to their relationships with agents. They try not to "undersell" agents with offers agents are not allowed to sell. Am I on to something here, or just throwing spaghetti at the wall?

[calbred01]

I think someone already posted this BUT your perks come when you are getting on the ship and once on board, just not in price. Pick your poison!

[michaelandjoanne]

This is just a guess but I imagine Carnival tracks everything about you onboard. How much you gamble, how much you drink, how much you shop, how you tip, shore excursions, spa services etc. They then profile you as a customer, give you an internal rating and target market you. A long time cruiser who carries onboard drinks, has done all the excursions and doesn’t spend much is not as profitable as a red card cruiser who has a big onboard account at the end of the cruise.

 

I know the companies I have worked for know all these details of their customers.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[Don Kehote]

I herd that all red card people are getting 85% discounts on journeys cruise and free cheers for 2019!

 

Also I heard that I am unreliable.

[richfret]

SOOOO frustrated with Carnival right now. I am ready to book a cruise. Credit card in hand. I have been platinum for several years. Surprisingly, I get very few email offers for deals, but a friend of mine, who cruised with me a few years back and had my email address on her booking, is getting them DAILY! Reduced prices, reduced deposits, upgrades, but NOTHING for my platinum status. I've watched CCL go cheap on a lot of things over the years, but you would think that they would want to keep their customers who have been loyal to them coming back. I even called to see if they had anything they can offer; I just got an apology...but no deals. Guess I will be booking an all-inclusive at a resort, instead of taking a cruise. :mad::mad:Anyone else encounter this issue?

 

Take a different approach. Deals only appear close in time to sailing especially if the ship is not selling well. The best cabins will be taken and you will have your choice of what remains.

 

I have completed 21 Carnival cruises and based on that history, recommend the following. Book a cruise a year in advance with either Early Saver or Military if you qualify. Then you are price protected from that point on so it won't matter if the price goes up. Just tell them. You will also have considerable choice of cabins on any deck. Pay with AARP gift cards for a 10 percent. savings for the cruise and on board expenses. You do not have to be a member. Find a good TA and some times you can get rewards with them. Then check the Carnival web site once a week to see what is going on.

 

Don't worry about VIP deals because you will already have the best.