Diamond & Platinum Not great

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

1 hour ago, BlerkOne said:

It is really your responsibility to keep up with the perks, terms, and conditions of the program applicable to you.

...

 

I was spoiled, they (perks) used to find me!

 

I was also spoiled... they used to give menus in restaurants. Unless they're going to bring me some type of tablet to order from, I MUCH prefer to hold a menu. I should not have to screw around with my phone in hopes that the technology "just works" (it does not always).

 

Tom

[ALWAYS CRUZIN]

On 11/8/2021 at 12:00 PM, wanman said:

If you would have paid attention or read John Healds posts you would know that the D/P priority boarding has been stopped for the time being to allow for a more controlled embarkation process. It is much like other places that control how many people can do something at any given time (plane boarding,  comes to mind), not that it makes much sense because everyone will be co-mingling eventually.

 

Just chill out and wait for everything to get back to normal, then if they don't bring it back, raise cain then.

If you are replying to me. First do not tell me to chill out and you were not there were you? So many rooms with no one in them which are used for priority boarding. There were two read two people in there while it took us 1-1/2 hours to get on the ship. Totally uncalled for. I would think utilizing the priority boarding would ahve been far faster and others would ahve waited not as long either. One last think. The line outside was so very long with only a roof covering. it it was windy and reining everyone would have been soaked.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

1 hour ago, gnocchi_mommy said:

Magic 11/6 departure, Diamond and Platinum got priority- at least the first group of us did. Had a 10:00-10:30 check in, group A02 we arrived at the port at about 9:30 and walked to the line at 9:40. In the door and through security around 10:15 I’d guess. Directed upstairs, suites to sit in red chairs, D&P in blue. Worker told us to ignore what was being announced downstairs. Doors opened and everyone upstairs queued up at the photo scan machines, it took all of 5 minutes to get to the gangway from when they opened the door.

 

I can’t speak to experience of people who had later check in times, perhaps they didn’t get sent to the priority lounge.

 

I opted for the 10-10:30 for our upcoming Mardi Gras sailing. We had the first group timeframe for our August Mardi Gras sailing as well, but did not get to the port until after 1 or so. It was a mess. I might want to consider actually showing up on time this go-around !!

 

Tom 

[ALWAYS CRUZIN]

3 minutes ago, Tom-n-Cheryl said:

 

I was spoiled, they (perks) used to find me!

 

I was also spoiled... they used to give menus in restaurants. Unless they're going to bring me some type of tablet to order from, I MUCH prefer to hold a menu. I should not have to screw around with my phone in hopes that the technology "just works" (it does not always).

 

Tom

All I said was I do not ahve a phone and they did bring a menu. I agree. Leave well enough alone. As said. if it ain't broke. Please don't fix it.

[BlerkOne]

21 minutes ago, Tom-n-Cheryl said:

 

I was spoiled, they (perks) used to find me!

 

I was also spoiled... they used to give menus in restaurants. Unless they're going to bring me some type of tablet to order from, I MUCH prefer to hold a menu. I should not have to screw around with my phone in hopes that the technology "just works" (it does not always).

 

Tom

There used to not be a pandemic. Times change.

[BlerkOne]

17 minutes ago, ALWAYS CRUZIN said:

All I said was I do not ahve a phone and they did bring a menu. I agree. Leave well enough alone. As said. if it ain't broke. Please don't fix it.

Did you ever think about how many people might have touched that menu?

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

3 minutes ago, BlerkOne said:

Did you ever think about how many people might have touched that menu?

 

It doesn't matter to me !!

 

Nor the buttons in the elevator, nor the handrail, etc...

 

Vaxed.. revaxed... infected... boosted... Que Será, Será

 

Tom

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

7 minutes ago, BlerkOne said:

There used to not be a pandemic. Times change.

 

Handy excuse too !

[BlerkOne]

1 minute ago, Tom-n-Cheryl said:

 

Handy excuse too !

on par with laziness 🙂

[wanman]

 

28 minutes ago, ALWAYS CRUZIN said:

If you are replying to me. First do not tell me to chill out and you were not there were you? So many rooms with no one in them which are used for priority boarding. There were two read two people in there while it took us 1-1/2 hours to get on the ship. Totally uncalled for. I would think utilizing the priority boarding would ahve been far faster and others would ahve waited not as long either. One last think. The line outside was so very long with only a roof covering. it it was windy and reining everyone would have been soaked.

 

FIrst of all it is raining, not reining, it not a queen or anything (Drama or diva! :D) Second of all the Chill out was not directed only at you so chill out on that. 

 

I am platinum, and I miss the priority boarding. I have done two since the restart and have two more coming up. Plus I am in a position that I get information from the cruise lines and once the CDC orders are let to expire on January 15 (baring another massive outbreak I expect that it will expire) a lot of things will start to go back to normal. Right now they are just trying to make sure that cruising does not get shut down again, because if it does, well, you may not see cruising from home ports in North America for a long time.

 

I am not getting mad and screaming at my local airport because they did away with priority check in and security screening, nor am I yelling at my local restaurants because they have a reduced menu and are also asking us to use our phone. But if you don't want to cruise Carnival anymore then that is. your prerogative and means less of the high and mighty I am entitled because I am platinum or diamond people that give the rest of us a bad reputation.

Edited November 9, 2021 by wanman

[Don Kehote]

29 minutes ago, Tom-n-Cheryl said:

 

It doesn't matter to me !!

 

Nor the buttons in the elevator, nor the handrail, etc...

 

Vaxed.. revaxed... infected... boosted... Que Será, Será

 

Tom

By this logic, it is perfectly fine to touch wet paint because you are wearing overalls, and do not think it is possible to wipe paint onto other people/things that other people touch.

 

I can't put this in crayon, but maybe a fun, colorful font will help.

[pzsdd6]

Good afternoon everyone!

I have been reading all the comments and questions on this thread and I also feel your disappointment with Carnival and their VIFP program.IMHO, when a company like Carnival starts a loyalty program they should embrace it wholeheartedly and look for ways to improve rather that reduce benefits. The sad truth is that no matter what sector the loyalty program covers, they are all failing their members. Most if not all loyalty programs were started merely because competitors had one and they felt the need to compete to retain or recruit new customers, which was Carnivals initial driver. However over the years, Carnival has learned that just the opposite is true. Cruisers at the platinum and Diamond levels are already hooked ( we are constantly jonesing for our next cruise) and they know it. Carnival’s focus is on “new” cruisers, the ones that don’t look at the bill because they will break the bank, buying anything Carnival offers, just to enjoy their first cruise. The platinum and diamonds are experienced cruisers that have learned how to cruise smartly. Carnival also knows this and that’s why they throw a few cheap trinkets( which keep getting cheaper) because they know that at the end of the day, most will still cruise with them. I believe that Carnival, and most others, use the pandemic to suit their needs. It’s very easy and convenient to use the pandemic as their excuse for a myriad short comings. Even if push came to shove and Carnival and other cruise lines cut back to the point that passengers push back, Carnival would most likely claim “ force majeure” because of the pandemic, as their reason for cutbacks or short comings.

It is my personal opinion that Carnival really doesn’t care about their customers…….

for example, giving 20 suite holders benefits and perks that thousands of platinum and Diamond customers have “loyally earned”.

As for myself, I will continue to cruise, more than likely with Carnival, and voice my disappointment when its appropriate and to someone that really cares. 

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

27 minutes ago, Don Kehote said:

By this logic, it is perfectly fine to touch wet paint because you are wearing overalls, and do not think it is possible to wipe paint onto other people/things that other people touch.

 

I can't put this in crayon, but maybe a fun, colorful font will help.

 

EDITED --- as I'm getting OT !!

[glrounds]

On 11/6/2021 at 5:50 PM, SkaterJasp said:

The only reason why I still cruise on Carnival (Platinum) and Princess (Elite) was exactly this… there was no other lines I like out of California that isn’t outrageously expensive (Disney… amazing but expensive) for quick getaway… Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas is coming to San Pedro with the test cruise on Monday and the first revenue cruise in a little over a week… So I’m excited… already booked 5 cruises on Navigator out of San Pedro.. my last foreseeable Carnival Cruise is on Radiance in December but after that I don’t see myself going back on Carnival or Princess with Navigator of the Seas out of San Pedro year round. The perks and rewards offered by Royal Caribbean’s Crown and Anchor program is significantly better. 

 

Precisely my position. I'm a few cruises away from DIAMOND having started with Carnival in the early 80s. I've seen what I considered a fabulous cruise line turn into the Red&Blue Card Line. With more ships competing with Carnival on the west coast, I'll be looking at these ships. Cruised on the PANAMERA a few week before the shutdown and just recently canceled my cruise on her for January. Now waiting for all the smoke to clear before resuming cruising again. And will now look into RCL and other lines that occasionally come on the west coast.

[hapytobehr]

I keep reading all the posts here about bacon, priority boarding, gifts, etc..<smh>

 

I have cruised Carnival many times pre-Covid and will be cruising next month NYE on Carnival and again in May 2022 (and most likely before)

 

They can keep their gifts(whether cheap or not) because i have enough "stuff" in my house that I do not need another water bottle, blanket, packing cube or whatever they are giving away. (we are platinum) Certainly not having bacon daily or any of these other things would never make me move to another line. 

 

I remember prior to Covid the massive amounts of wasted food at the buffet as well as the dining room.  I recall seeing a woman at the buffet take a plate and pile so much bacon that she was dropping it as she was walking back to her table.

 

I cruise on Carnival because we have ALWAYS had a great time.  My husband and I have NEVER gotten off a Carnival cruise disappointed.  The service has always been excellent and if it was a little below expectations, it was never enough to complain.

 

I have also cruised on Royal, NCL, and MSC.  They were great as well but much more expensive. Carnival pricing allows us to cruise 3-4 times a year.

 

The once a day steward service started way before COVID and never caused us any issue.

 

I am not criticizing anyone on here so please spare me the backlash.  I just think that sometimes mountains are made out of molehills.

 

 

[BlerkOne]

32 minutes ago, hapytobehr said:

 

  I just think that sometimes mountains are made out of molehills.

 

 

Evidence that things are slowly returning to normal.

[RoperDK]

We were just on the Mardi Gras Halloween cruise.  We are Platinum and were in a suite. This was also our first cruise back post covid shutdown.  We had 10 to 10:30 embarkation, arrived at 10:10 and still had a hold up to register and get through security.  The suite's lounge is huge and must be expected to also handle D&P at a later date.  All I can say, is I was glad to be in a suite.  Debarkation was a zoo and we were in suite zone 2.  Couldn't get a porter. What a mess. I feel for those after us.  We didn't care to have to use the QR codes all the time.  I'm sure that it is designed to have people "miss" things.  As Platinum, we are most interested in water and laundry. I picked up my water and had to ask for laundry bags. I can deal with that, but it wasn't "special".  Call me old fashioned, but I like to hold a menu.  We scanned the QR codes and ordered our meals, but missed the sides at times.  No wait staff suggested any additions or extras.  Once we figured it out, we ordered our sides.  Could they not offer ideas or help?  I have mixed feelings about the cruise.  Staffing was short.  Sometimes only one person working at the deli or at a busy bar. I was willing to give a lot of slack, but I was disappointed.  Have 2 more Mardi Gras cruises booked. We'll see....     

[SNJCruisers]

4 hours ago, pzsdd6 said:

Carnival really doesn’t care about their customers…….

for example, giving 20 suite holders benefits and perks that thousands of platinum and Diamond customers have “loyally earned”.

Or selling FTTF, adding money to the coffers and selling perks that D&P's have "loyally earned."

Carnival cares about blue cards and gamblers.

[Colorado Beach Bum]

1 hour ago, RoperDK said:

We were just on the Mardi Gras Halloween cruise.  We are Platinum and were in a suite. This was also our first cruise back post covid shutdown.  We had 10 to 10:30 embarkation, arrived at 10:10 and still had a hold up to register and get through security.  The suite's lounge is huge and must be expected to also handle D&P at a later date.  All I can say, is I was glad to be in a suite.  Debarkation was a zoo and we were in suite zone 2.  Couldn't get a porter. What a mess. I feel for those after us.  We didn't care to have to use the QR codes all the time.  I'm sure that it is designed to have people "miss" things.  As Platinum, we are most interested in water and laundry. I picked up my water and had to ask for laundry bags. I can deal with that, but it wasn't "special".  Call me old fashioned, but I like to hold a menu.  We scanned the QR codes and ordered our meals, but missed the sides at times.  No wait staff suggested any additions or extras.  Once we figured it out, we ordered our sides.  Could they not offer ideas or help?  I have mixed feelings about the cruise.  Staffing was short.  Sometimes only one person working at the deli or at a busy bar. I was willing to give a lot of slack, but I was disappointed.  Have 2 more Mardi Gras cruises booked. We'll see....     

Sorry you didn’t enjoy the cruise.  We were on in Sept and the boarding process went super smooth (we also had 10-1030).  Checkin was a breeze and we only waited a few minutes before they began to board.  The loudspeaker announcements we horrible - couldn’t understand any of them. 
 

QR code’s for menus is a drag but it’s not just cruises, almost every restaurant since COVID is doing it.  I hope things go back to pre-covid ways but I highly doubt it.  Companies figured out a new way that probably saves them tons of money on replacing menus.    

[BlerkOne]

1 hour ago, SNJCruisers said:

Or selling FTTF, adding money to the coffers and selling perks that D&P's have "loyally earned."

Carnival cares about blue cards and gamblers.

 

Loyalty programs are marketing programs. Nothing is earned which is exactly what Carnival owes the most loyal customer. Carnival's target market from day 1 were novice cruisers.

[BlerkOne]

53 minutes ago, Colorado Beach Bum said:

Sorry you didn’t enjoy the cruise.  We were on in Sept and the boarding process went super smooth (we also had 10-1030).  Checkin was a breeze and we only waited a few minutes before they began to board.  The loudspeaker announcements we horrible - couldn’t understand any of them. 
 

QR code’s for menus is a drag but it’s not just cruises, almost every restaurant since COVID is doing it.  I hope things go back to pre-covid ways but I highly doubt it.  Companies figured out a new way that probably saves them tons of money on replacing menus.    

 

it is trivial to print off the menus as they are posted here or elsewhere and then you have a hardcopy to take on future cruises.

[RoperDK]

36 minutes ago, Colorado Beach Bum said:

Sorry you didn’t enjoy the cruise.  We were on in Sept and the boarding process went super smooth (we also had 10-1030).  Checkin was a breeze and we only waited a few minutes before they began to board.  The loudspeaker announcements we horrible - couldn’t understand any of them. 
 

QR code’s for menus is a drag but it’s not just cruises, almost every restaurant since COVID is doing it.  I hope things go back to pre-covid ways but I highly doubt it.  Companies figured out a new way that probably saves them tons of money on replacing menus.    

I did enjoy my cruise. Many friends and family have asked me what I thought about my cruise and I had a hard time answering.  We are avid cruisers and I was prepared for some "culture shock".  Our local restaurants have QR codes, but also interact with you about options.  I think that was what was lacking for us.  You are right that QR codes are here to stay.  I just hope the waitstaff interaction doesn't go away.  A cruise for us has always been about friendly interaction between passengers and crew.  I am not giving up, just throwing up a yellow flag.  Hopefully, things will normalize. I don't hate change, it was just that the experience was lacking for us.

[Illbcruzn4life]

On 11/6/2021 at 6:04 PM, fyree39 said:

We're chasing Diamond for no good reason. If another line I actually liked cruised out of San Pedro I'd switch for good. For now, I'll stick with Carnival and the occasional other line for a nice change. 

 

I'm getting a little long in the tooth so my memory isn't what it used to be but weren't you posting a while back that you were done with Carnival but you were still going to cruise them because your hubby preferred CCL? Maybe it was someone else???

[JaniceB]

13 hours ago, SNJCruisers said:

Or selling FTTF, adding money to the coffers and selling perks that D&P's have "loyally earned."

Carnival cares about blue cards and gamblers.

I totally agree with caring about the gamblers.  Just off the Horizon and the smoke was terrible.  I am a former smoker who usually doesn't care about it, I know I am the minority, but it was bad.  Also, others have said how great drink service was but I didn't find that to be true but I wasn't using drink on us.  They did stop by occasionally but I had an empty drink on my machine one night for a long time and no one stopped.  I can't imagine the smoke if the there had been a bar in the casino.  

[RoperDK]

22 hours ago, BlerkOne said:

 

it is trivial to print off the menus as they are posted here or elsewhere and then you have a hardcopy to take on future cruises.

Hate to not agree, but it is not my job to search and scan for menus and then print them out to take to a restaurant on a cruise that I spent my hard earned vacation money on.  Menus are usually posted outside of the venue, but not on the Mardi Gras (except for our Rudi's night).  I realize there is a learning curve and the hub app does post menus, but inexplicably not ALL menus.  The hub app does not always show sides or anytime items.  I realize the times have changed, and I used to cringe at holding the old menus before eating after I had just washed my hands.  My disappointment was with the waitstaff not helping with ordering.  They came up. Wanted your order, including desert, and then off they went.  If you didn't know there were other options, they didn't make suggestions.  I assume they have been told to not make it easy for people to order extra.  This is not the Carnival I love, with friendly helpful bartenders and waitstaff.  I am giving extra slack for the terrible conditions of trying to cruise during a pandemic.  I will go on Mardi Gras one more time in a couple of months.  We are canceling our other Carnival cruises for now.  We have had friends come off of Princess and RCCL.  They don't have the same complaints.