Platinum Disappointment

[BlerkOne]

Cruisers don't seem to have a problem walking to the casino for the $25. On the way they can pick up all the other swag. Or not.

[wemjam]

23 hours ago, Honolulu Blue said:

Thanks for sharing your story. I apologize for not noting the cheaters in their quest for trophies. You covered it nicely. Some people really want those ships on a stick and are willing to break the rules in order to get them. I assure you that I won all of mine fair and square, and I'm fine with never getting another one.

When we have won them I always give them to a young kid I see around the ship.  We do the same thing with free stuff we win in the shops usually.  Also, any Diamond gifts we may not want.

 

We call it "let's go make some friends"  We will sit on the Promenade and wait for the right age/gender child to go past for whatever we have and then pass it on to them.  Always makes their day! 😃

[1cruisingal]

On 4/27/2023 at 10:03 AM, sgttami said:

I believe you have to go to Pixels to get gifts etc.  and call from your cabin for in room treats and go to casino for your $25 cash.

I didn't know about the casino cash. I didn't see it listed on Carnival's website with the list of platinum perks.

[BlerkOne]

9 minutes ago, 1cruisingal said:

I didn't know about the casino cash. I didn't see it listed on Carnival's website with the list of platinum perks.

Did you see something about a BOGO slot tournament? Those haven't been held since cruising restarted and that us where the $25 comes from.

[wemjam]

25 minutes ago, 1cruisingal said:

I didn't know about the casino cash. I didn't see it listed on Carnival's website with the list of platinum perks.

If you go and look at the VIFP chart (that shows all the levels and what you get) it is in the fine print at the bottom.  If you have an account log in, go to your profile, go to my benefits and look at the chart all the way at the bottom.

 

** CASINO – We are currently unable to host casino tournaments on board and guests will be given US $25 in Casino FunPlay^®.

 

 

[llachance]

Didn't really know about the casino credit but won't miss it on my next cruise.  Did know about the laundry and used it for past cruises.  Have enjoyed priority embarkation and debarkation.  have two pins but since I didn't pick them up they must be pre-covid (because I really don't buy pictures and wouldn't go to Pixels just to get a pin).  Usually don't worry about the water because I don't mind the ships water.  That said I kept a bottle from a recent cruise and it is still in my refrigerator at home.  Asked for morning cabin service on my last cruise and rarely saw service before late afternoon (fist time I have added to the required tip)  I was in a suite and expected just a bit more and it didn't happen.  But since the room steward has to service the room anyway it wouldn't be difficult to put the pins, extra water and a coupon for the rest on the desk.  IMO

[BlerkOne]

2 hours ago, llachance said:

  But since the room steward has to service the room anyway it wouldn't be difficult to put the pins, extra water and a coupon for the rest on the desk.  IMO

Well you can just take the water in the cabin and the drink is already loaded on your Sail and Sign card so 2/3 are already taken care of and since you don't seem to care about the pins? But the steward would still have to collect the pins and keep track of who gets one, etc. And as long as they are doing that, they might as well dump off 10 pounds of Diamonds International papers at the same time.

[bguppies]

On 4/27/2023 at 1:04 PM, mz-s said:

 

You get all of those things. They are not delivered to your stateroom anymore but there should have been a QR code tattoo somewhere in the stateroom to scan that would tell you where to go to get them all.

Two cruises I've been on since Covid either the QR code wouldn't work or was not in the room.

If I didn't know the basics from in here, I wouldn't have gotten anything, as the customer service desk just handed us a flyer from before covid with the perks, but not how to get them and no other help.

 

The meager perks is the least of my concerns with my platinum experience on Carnival this past year.

[icft]

11 hours ago, bguppies said:

Two cruises I've been on since Covid either the QR code wouldn't work or was not in the room.

If I didn't know the basics from in here, I wouldn't have gotten anything, as the customer service desk just handed us a flyer from before covid with the perks, but not how to get them and no other help.

 

The meager perks is the least of my concerns with my platinum experience on Carnival this past year.

You may have security software on your phone that won't allow a browser window to be opened over an unsecured wi-fi connection unless that unsecured connection allows VPN to operate over it (with  VPN being part of the security software). Our plain ol' AT&T security software prevents that.

 

Like many businesses, Carnival throws out QR codes and like many businesses they have unsecured wi-fi (unless you purchase an internet plan) available for QR code or similar uses. Due to the admittedly small risk posed by either of those things we don't use QR codes or unsecured wi-fi. The MDR folks were not happy with us back when they wanted you to scan a QR code using their unsecured wi-fi to see the menu.

 

https://www.ic3.gov/Media/Y2022/PSA220118

https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/how-to-hack-a-open-wifi/#

 

We do use the Hub app since it can't access the rest of the phone and that has the menu these days.

[BlerkOne]

Well, even VPN can be hacked.

[CTCruisers]

Just off the Sunshine.

 

We were welcomed in the terminal as Platinum.

 

We had priority boarding.

 

We went to Pixels to get our pins and VIFP fanny packs

 

They had a party of Platinum and Diamond members with free flowing drinks.

 

We had a free drink during the at sea brunch on the last sea day.

 

We had priority disembarkation and tender service as well.

[BlerkOne]

On 4/30/2023 at 10:49 AM, Honolulu Blue said:

Thanks for sharing your story. I apologize for not noting the cheaters in their quest for trophies. You covered it nicely. Some people really want those ships on a stick and are willing to break the rules in order to get them. I assure you that I won all of mine fair and square, and I'm fine with never getting another one.

Some cheat at Cheers, VIFP specials, everything.

[rondl1]

On 4/28/2023 at 9:41 AM, ObstructedView2 said:

 

 

Hi 🙂

 

Don't forget about the (Dedicated Phone Line) at Guest Services that SO MANY passengers overlook. The dedicated phone line is picked up quickly & there is no waiting in line to ask a simple question.

 

 

 

 

 

 

🍹

I have looked all over the website and can't find the Dedicated Phone Line.  Does anyone know what it is???

[ObstructedView2]

8 minutes ago, rondl1 said:

I have looked all over the website and can't find the Dedicated Phone Line.  Does anyone know what it is???

 

Hi @rondl1🙂

 

You will find a (letter) placed in your cabin with the dedicated phone line number to guest services. (not on a website)

 

 

 

🍹

[Drazil65]

I think it is noted in the welcome letter in your cabin (or letter with the S & S cards) if I remember correctly when we were on MG in December.  

[rondl1]

7 minutes ago, ObstructedView2 said:

 

Hi @rondl1🙂

 

You will find a (letter) placed in your cabin with the dedicated phone line number to guest services. (not on a website)

 

 

 

🍹

 

7 minutes ago, Drazil65 said:

I think it is noted in the welcome letter in your cabin (or letter with the S & S cards) if I remember correctly when we were on MG in December.  

I just got off the Breeze on Monday and it's not on the S&S card.  Wanted to talk to them about my Aug. cruise since regular Customer Service is so horrific.

 

Not looking for the one on the ship, Looking for 

"Dedicated shore side toll free number to assist with booking Cruises or reservations on already booked Cruises."

[rondl1]

Just now, rondl1 said:

 

I just got off the Breeze on Monday and it's not on the S&S card.  Wanted to talk to them about my Aug. cruise since regular Customer Service is so horrific.

 

Not looking for the one on the ship, Looking for 

"Dedicated shore side toll free number to assist with booking Cruises or reservations on already booked Cruises."

Oop's.  That is for Diamond and I won't be there until Dec.

[mz-s]

On 5/6/2023 at 2:20 PM, CTCruisers said:

Just off the Sunshine.

 

We were welcomed in the terminal as Platinum.

 

We had priority boarding.

 

We went to Pixels to get our pins and VIFP fanny packs

 

They had a party of Platinum and Diamond members with free flowing drinks.

 

We had a free drink during the at sea brunch on the last sea day.

 

We had priority disembarkation and tender service as well.

 

My experience as well on Sunshine last year - great cruises on her! Granted we typically don't get to the pier until well after open boarding so we don't usually use the priority boarding perk.

[icft]

34 minutes ago, rondl1 said:

 

I just got off the Breeze on Monday and it's not on the S&S card.  Wanted to talk to them about my Aug. cruise since regular Customer Service is so horrific.

 

Not looking for the one on the ship, Looking for 

"Dedicated shore side toll free number to assist with booking Cruises or reservations on already booked Cruises."

Yeah, that is another thing they hide. After a couple of years of just every now and then wondering without really putting in any effort, just keeping an eye out, I realized it was about time to find out. So while on a cruise I asked at guest services.

 

I fed it into my phone and have never tried it, but according to guest services on the Glory the shore side line is 1-855-fun-vifp.

 

On board the Glory the ship side number is 6676. I have used that number on the Glory but I don't know if it is the same on all ships.

[2wheelin]

2 hours ago, Butterbean1000 said:

Excuse me. I have a life outside of Carnival. We have been away from cruising for almost four years for various reasons, Covid, illnesses and surgeries. After having 3 cruises canceled and rebooking a cruise, I finally turn platinum. Forgive my ignorance in not being up to date on the new cruising world.  I suspect I'll learn and I have just learned that being judged by the bourgeoisie is part of the procress.

 

Happy cruising.

No judging. Just saying that if one expects loyalty awards,  they would keep up on researching updates. Same as you research ports, ships, itineraries, prices, excursions, amenities. Especially is one has been away for four years. Lots has changed in that time, and then changed again, and then changed back, etc.

[Butterbean1000]

1 hour ago, 2wheelin said:

No judging. Just saying that if one expects loyalty awards,  they would keep up on researching updates. Same as you research ports, ships, itineraries, prices, excursions, amenities. Especially is one has been away for four years. Lots has changed in that time, and then changed again, and then changed back, etc.

There was no reason for me to keep up with all the goings on while we weren't cruising. Now that we have booked a cruise, I'm trying to get caught up. It has nothing to do with loyalty.

 I know a lot of things have changed.  This is why I've come back to the boards. There is a lot of good info here.

 

[Old Fart Cruisers]

View Online VIFP PLATINUM AND DIAMOND GUESTS UPDATE AND ONLINE CHECK-IN INVITATION      Dear Valued Platinum and Diamond Guests, Welcome back!  We want to make you aware of the priority benefits for sailings departing from the U.S. and Europe.  Platinum and Diamond guests will be given 48 hours advance access to select their preferred Arrival Appointment. Please visit My Cruise Manager on Carnival.com starting at 16 days prior to sailing to complete your Online Check-In and select the Arrival Appointment that works best with your plans. We will not be able to accommodate guests who show up outside their Arrival Appointment. Upon arrival to the terminal, look for the Priority line to check-in (as is customary, this is not available for Carnival Journeys cruises). Once on board, you will be able to drop off your bags in your stateroom, but we ask that you not linger in the hallways or your stateroom.  Our team will still be working hard to get the ship ready for your sailing, so once you drop off your bags, please return to the public areas of the ship.   Priority luggage delivery is available for checked-bags. Priority debark and water shuttle debark is available at the home port and ports of call (except on Carnival Journeys cruises). A US$25 in Casino FunPlay®, in addition to any other FunPlay® you might be entitled to as part of your booking, will be provided. Additionally, please remember that certain VIFP amenities will be linked to your Sail & Sign folio for electronic redemption, like how we handle complimentary laundry. Simply claim your benefit, using your Sail & Sign card, and a one-time credit for that item will be posted on your folio and visible on your statement. Complimentary Beverages Brunch Beverage – redeemable in the dining room. 1.5L Bottled Water – redeemable from any bar, restaurant or your stateroom.  Chocolate Delight (5+ Day Cruises) A tasty treat will be ready for you to enjoy; just call room service to schedule delivery. Carnival Logo Gift & Ship Pin Please visit our Photo Gallery to claim your Carnival logo gift and your Carnival ship pin. We encourage you to claim your gifts no later than two days prior to the end of your cruise. Your continued support means a lot to us and our great staff and crew can’t wait to welcome you back on board! Sincerely,   Christine Duffy President, Carnival Cruise Line     Contact Us  •  About Us  •  Privacy Notice  •  Unsubscribe

 

 

[CruizinSusan70]

On 4/27/2023 at 9:12 PM, HOUSTONVIP said:

it's not a big deal, I just figured that after not cruising since pre Covid, I would have got the same treatment I was used to as a Platinum cruiser. Showed up at dinner and had to be told, we needed to check in via the AAP

You have nobody to blame but yourself.  Why would you assume that everything would be the same today as it was in 2019?  

You came onto Cruise Critic to complain, you should have come here to do your research pre-cruise and then you would have been educated about the changes.

[Eli_6]

How does one cheat to win a ship on a stick?

 

Asking for a friend...

 

Anything we have ever participated in where a ship on a stick was awarded wasn't exactly something you could cheat at...like the bean bag toss. Only ship on a stick I have ever won was for knowing the name of the monk who invented champagne.

[Drazil65]

How does one cheat to win a ship on a stick?

 

I think the reference was to trivia and how people cheat (look up answers) to get the answers to win.