Changes to Carnival Loyalty Program

[MtnSeaGirl]

8 hours ago, jimbo5544 said:

Everybody has options

 

8 hours ago, BeachChik said:

Loyalty to a cruise line just to have a certain status and a few “perks” that aren’t worth much is so bizarre to me. Especially when you read something like what was posted above where they say other lines go to ports they prefer. 

Yes, there are options but that does not make me want to act on those options. I stated that we have great  memories on Carnival and it would be like leaving family.  Just not a fan of the carrot always being moved.  For those who are already Diamond or Platinum it probably seems silly.  You "made it" long ago.  You see the perks as not being hardly worth it or too many in the level already watering the benefits down. For those of us who can cruise less and set a goal, it is nice to be able to finish something we started without the goal being moved or being made to feel we will never be don't quite belong. That is the hard part about message boards.  My frame of reference or someone else's can be totally different than yours or yours or yours.  Maybe you have unlimited vacation time or you live closer to the ports or you live in an area that pays higher wages so cruise prices seem dirt cheap. Maybe you could cruise during the PHE and rack up points while some of us had to go in most every day.  Doesn't make one person's reality right or my own reality right. It is just what it is.  I have loved these boards because I have learned so much great information and tips. I have read post trip reports with pictures and had a mini armchair vacation.  You guys  on CC are the best to learn how to cruise. I have also read posts that were pretty harsh ( not the ones referenced above ).  I wonder why the condescending attitudes.  CC began as a way to share information, to help the newbies and sometimes even the seasoned cruisers so we all have a  better experience. Thank you all for the advice you have given on many different topics. I rarely post but I do read this forum several times a week.  Now, everyone have a GREAT MONDAY!  Let's choose to make someone's day a bit brighter.  

[jimbo5544]

52 minutes ago, MtnSeaGirl said:

 

Yes, there are options but that does not make me want to act on those options. I stated that we have great  memories on Carnival and it would be like leaving family.  Just not a fan of the carrot always being moved.  For those who are already Diamond or Platinum it probably seems silly.  You "made it" long ago.  You see the perks as not being hardly worth it or too many in the level already watering the benefits down. For those of us who can cruise less and set a goal, it is nice to be able to finish something we started without the goal being moved or being made to feel we will never be don't quite belong. That is the hard part about message boards.  My frame of reference or someone else's can be totally different than yours or yours or yours.  Maybe you have unlimited vacation time or you live closer to the ports or you live in an area that pays higher wages so cruise prices seem dirt cheap. Maybe you could cruise during the PHE and rack up points while some of us had to go in most every day.  Doesn't make one person's reality right or my own reality right. It is just what it is.  I have loved these boards because I have learned so much great information and tips. I have read post trip reports with pictures and had a mini armchair vacation.  You guys  on CC are the best to learn how to cruise. I have also read posts that were pretty harsh ( not the ones referenced above ).  I wonder why the condescending attitudes.  CC began as a way to share information, to help the newbies and sometimes even the seasoned cruisers so we all have a  better experience. Thank you all for the advice you have given on many different topics. I rarely post but I do read this forum several times a week.  Now, everyone have a GREAT MONDAY!  Let's choose to make someone's day a bit brighter.  

The cruise industry is a business.  A business based upon giving people memorable vacations on floating hotels with options pretty much anywhere there is deep water and things to see (for most, it centers and lives on the Caribbean, as it was for us for years, but can be so much more).  

 

This industry is recovering from a 3 year plus time where they were hammered more than any other industry and with no government relief, do not want to drag it up, but it is a very significant factor in all that has occurred.  The tough times emphasize their financial issues and possibly cause them to things that they might have not otherwise done.

 

Loyalty programs is just an example of some of things that have changed.  We have enjoyed Carnivals since its inception, the first cruise when we walked on and they said “Welcome Home” we both smiled broadly.  We have enjoyed the gifts and the perks, they are kind of like golden handcuffs that are part of the reason we keep us coming back (55 + Carnival cruises).  It is unsustainable to keep the same level of recognition and perks on something that grows significantly every single cruise.  As example, our first platinum cruise (on Ecstasy spring 2006) we were one of two couples that were plats on the ship.  Our last cruise last month on MG, their was 400 Diamonds and over 1,000 (knew the actual number, but have forgotten, sure it was more).  What you do for 4 is easy, doing same for a third of the cruisers every single cruise is much more difficult.  Do I understand that many want the perks?  Sure.  But the math does not work, it has to change, how it changes and when, we do not know and can speculate, but it will change.

 

There has been much discussed here on the program, some not happy with where it is going.  Emotions can play a factor in posting, as is always the case, discussions get animated.  Your assessment of  what is best here at CC is right on, but I might suggest that discussing some of these other things (active discussions tied to loyalty perks as an example) are just as much a viable part of CC as well (within the course of normal boundaries).   There are posters with agendas, and fairly easy to spot, but their views count as much as the Carnival lovers.  I have been around here a long time, done a ton of posting, posted many reviews, almost 2 dozen live but we all add to the electric mix of why it all woks so well. 

 

Happy cruising.

Edited March 25 by jimbo5544

[miguelangel]

Last time the loyalty status program was changed we were grandfathered in so that we could obtain our platinum level. We went on a cruise December 2023 on the Glory out of New Orleans. A very outdated and weathered ship with a very tired staff. We were having problems obtaining benefits and when we went to the diamond platinum counter we're told by staff that because the ship was over 80% platinum and diamond that some of the benefits may not be obtainable at the time. 😳 So many amenities have already disappeared since we started cruising in 2006,

from the basket of goodies in the bathroom to the chocolates on the pillow at night, etc. 

So how can they encourage more spending and lessen the few remaining benefits without discouraging cruisers from the their loyalty program?

The Carnival conundrum.

 

[mz-s]

3 minutes ago, miguelangel said:

Last time the loyalty status program was changed we were grandfathered in so that we could obtain our platinum level. We went on a cruise December 2023 on the Glory out of New Orleans. A very outdated and weathered ship with a very tired staff. We were having problems obtaining benefits and when we went to the diamond platinum counter we're told by staff that because the ship was over 80% platinum and diamond that some of the benefits may not be obtainable at the time. 😳 So many amenities have already disappeared since we started cruising in 2006,

from the basket of goodies in the bathroom to the chocolates on the pillow at night, etc. 

So how can they encourage more spending and lessen the few remaining benefits without discouraging cruisers from the their loyalty program?

The Carnival conundrum.

 

 

Carnival's focus is on new cruisers, people who don't know what Carnival is capable of. They have no idea how good the service and food on Carnival used to be. Or how much better the entertainment was. Or yes little things like the chocolate on the pillow.

 

Where does that leave the loyalty program? Who knows.

[JimmyTheSaint]

We are Platinum as were about 80% of the people onboard during our past two cruises, Transatlantic crossings. No company can sustain freebies and giveaways when so many customers qualify. Okay so Carnival aren't going to go bust giving out kazoos and fanny packs but they aren't going to change the loyalty program to add more costs on to their accounts. 

 

We've achieved Platinum status because Carnival offers a cruising experience that appeals to us. Getting a free bottle of water or fanny pack doesn't make us choose Carnival over RCI, MSC, etc.

[Joebucks]

14 hours ago, BeachChik said:

Loyalty to a cruise line just to have a certain status and a few “perks” that aren’t worth much is so bizarre to me. Especially when you read something like what was posted above where they say other lines go to ports they prefer. 

 

Marketing is a powerful tool. There are people out there who will choose to spend $5000 with a company because of a $200 "free item." Even if the next company was $4000 and charged the $200, WHO WANTS TO BE NICKLE AND DIMED?!

[jedi bobs]

I would change things a little, Leave Blue Red and Gold as is, then with Plats, Get rid of priority Boarding, but keep early check in, Get rid of the Past guest party Get rid of the 1 drink per person Durring Sea day brunch, and give 2 or 3 vouchers for a free drink of there choice per day.  Add Plat + and add 1 free specilty dining on 5+ day saiings, or Steakhouse Selection on ships w/o specialty dining also 4 free drinks per day.  Dimond would stay the same except 2 specilty dining and 5 free drinks, and Dimond + would be 3 specialty dining, and 6 free drinks per day, and special Lunch with the captian.  JMHO on what should be done.

[ninjacat123]

2 minutes ago, jedi bobs said:

I would change things a little, Leave Blue Red and Gold as is, then with Plats, Get rid of priority Boarding, but keep early check in, Get rid of the Past guest party Get rid of the 1 drink per person Durring Sea day brunch, and give 2 or 3 vouchers for a free drink of there choice per day.  Add Plat + and add 1 free specilty dining on 5+ day saiings, or Steakhouse Selection on ships w/o specialty dining also 4 free drinks per day.  Dimond would stay the same except 2 specilty dining and 5 free drinks, and Dimond + would be 3 specialty dining, and 6 free drinks per day, and special Lunch with the captian.  JMHO on what should be done.

This sounds interesting...would Platinum start at 75 days cruising and Diamond still at 200 days cruising?  Where would Plat+ and Diamond+ start?  I know it's all pie in the sky but it's fun to hypothesize!😉

[BeachChik]

7 hours ago, MtnSeaGirl said:

 

Yes, there are options but that does not make me want to act on those options. I stated that we have great  memories on Carnival and it would be like leaving family.  Just not a fan of the carrot always being moved.  For those who are already Diamond or Platinum it probably seems silly.  You "made it" long ago.  You see the perks as not being hardly worth it or too many in the level already watering the benefits down. For those of us who can cruise less and set a goal, it is nice to be able to finish something we started without the goal being moved or being made to feel we will never be don't quite belong. That is the hard part about message boards.  My frame of reference or someone else's can be totally different than yours or yours or yours.  Maybe you have unlimited vacation time or you live closer to the ports or you live in an area that pays higher wages so cruise prices seem dirt cheap. Maybe you could cruise during the PHE and rack up points while some of us had to go in most every day.  Doesn't make one person's reality right or my own reality right. It is just what it is.  I have loved these boards because I have learned so much great information and tips. I have read post trip reports with pictures and had a mini armchair vacation.  You guys  on CC are the best to learn how to cruise. I have also read posts that were pretty harsh ( not the ones referenced above ).  I wonder why the condescending attitudes.  CC began as a way to share information, to help the newbies and sometimes even the seasoned cruisers so we all have a  better experience. Thank you all for the advice you have given on many different topics. I rarely post but I do read this forum several times a week.  Now, everyone have a GREAT MONDAY!  Let's choose to make someone's day a bit brighter.  

I don’t know if the condescending comment was to me or not. But I wasn’t being condescending at all. I was simply stating that it’s weird to me. You are free to do what you want. But I personally have no loyalty to any brand in any area of my life. 
 

I love Disney and we go often because we live right there. But I am under no illusion that Disney would prefer I don’t go. I don’t buy souvenirs, we often get in for free because I know a cast member, we don’t spend a lot eating but we add to the crowds. Disney gets no value out of my being there. 
 

Cruises are the same. They don’t want the person that has cruised 27 times and stays in a lower tier cabin, doesn’t book cruise shore excursions, doesn’t spend a fortune on pictures. They want the new cruiser that will drop tons of money because it’s new to them. They will buy the photo package, booked the cruise line excursions, buy all the onboard souvenirs, eat all the for fee foods. Doesn’t mean you shouldn’t cruise with them but it does mean you shouldn’t expect anything regarding loyalty to the brand. 
 

I totally get why they have to keep changing the rules. How many people are hitting these milestones? Even doing cheap stuff it probably still costs the line quite a bit of money given the numbers of people. 

[BeachChik]

1 hour ago, Joebucks said:

 

Marketing is a powerful tool. There are people out there who will choose to spend $5000 with a company because of a $200 "free item." Even if the next company was $4000 and charged the $200, WHO WANTS TO BE NICKLE AND DIMED?!

That logic is mind blowing. I see it all the time on another board regarding hotels. People will pay $250 a night for a room but refuse to book the hotel that charges $200 a night plus a $50 a night resort fee. 
 

[jedi bobs]

I book the cheepest hotel I can find as close to the termanal as I can get when I am not going out of Tampa or Port Canavral.  WHen I am in those ports I usaly fly and my dad picks us up. and say with him

[MtnSeaGirl]

3 hours ago, jedi bobs said:

I would change things a little, Leave Blue Red and Gold as is, then with Plats, Get rid of priority Boarding, but keep early check in, Get rid of the Past guest party Get rid of the 1 drink per person Durring Sea day brunch, and give 2 or 3 vouchers for a free drink of there choice per day.  Add Plat + and add 1 free specilty dining on 5+ day saiings, or Steakhouse Selection on ships w/o specialty dining also 4 free drinks per day.  Dimond would stay the same except 2 specilty dining and 5 free drinks, and Dimond + would be 3 specialty dining, and 6 free drinks per day, and special Lunch with the captian.  JMHO on what should be done.

I love it! Priority boarding is not what iy used to be it seems. Neither is getting off the ship.  Give me one bag of laundry and even one free drink a day, and I'm totally happy.  I absolutely love your ideas.  

[ChuckF]

You can keep your Priority boarding, fanny packs, parties and free drinks.  JUST DON'T MESS WITH MY LAUNDRY!

[tha sista]

6 minutes ago, ChuckF said:

You can keep your Priority boarding, fanny packs, parties and free drinks.  JUST DON'T MESS WITH MY LAUNDRY!

Amen right there👆

[Sgwscruiser]

On 3/23/2024 at 9:22 PM, hurricane0226 said:

Off the vista today, there were 57 diamonds onboard

How do you know this 

[jerseygirlinAZ]

24 minutes ago, ChuckF said:

You can keep your Priority boarding, fanny packs, parties and free drinks.  JUST DON'T MESS WITH MY LAUNDRY!

 

That's the main reason I'm looking forward to Platinum status this summer.

[jimbo5544]

22 minutes ago, Sgwscruiser said:

How do you know this 

It is announced or available in different ways.  As example, at the Diamond Luncheon they took about how many are on the ship.  When you done to claim the casino 2 for, they have a list and share the info.

[JMAE]

23 hours ago, Elaine5715 said:

I said profits, not income.  Cruise fares keep the lights on.  

I know what you said, the fares (about 70% of their income) only cover about 85% of operational experiences. The other 15% comes from on board spending (about 30% of their income). 

[jimbo5544]

6 minutes ago, JMAE said:

I know what you said, the fares (about 70% of their income) only cover about 85% of operational experiences. The other 15% comes from on board spending (about 30% of their income). 

Where do all those thousands of $600 OBC come into the  equation for all of the cancel rebooking from covid.  We had 15 of them.

[jimbo5544]

9 hours ago, Joebucks said:

 

Marketing is a powerful tool. There are people out there who will choose to spend $5000 with a company because of a $200 "free item." Even if the next company was $4000 and charged the $200, WHO WANTS TO BE NICKLE AND DIMED?!

But the other is not a Fun ship.

[hurricane0226]

1 hour ago, Sgwscruiser said:

How do you know this 

I was at the captain's diamond party, and he announced it.

[peanutzmom]

11 hours ago, JimmyTheSaint said:

We are Platinum as were about 80% of the people onboard during our past two cruises, Transatlantic crossings. No company can sustain freebies and giveaways when so many customers qualify. Okay so Carnival aren't going to go bust giving out kazoos and fanny packs but they aren't going to change the loyalty program to add more costs on to their accounts. 

 

We've achieved Platinum status because Carnival offers a cruising experience that appeals to us. Getting a free bottle of water or fanny pack doesn't make us choose Carnival over RCI, MSC, etc.

This describes us as well. We are Platinum, but we don’t return to Carnival for the free perks from the loyalty program. We have cruised on other lines (most recently RCI and MSC), and we have found that Carnival best fits our needs as far as itineraries and prices go. The food, service, cabins, and entertainment are at least comparable and sometimes  better than other lines charging higher prices, so we are happy to continue doing most of our cruising with Carnival, regardless of the perks (or lack thereof).

[Doctorsbaby]

3 hours ago, tha sista said:

Amen right there👆

Me three!!!

[jimbo5544]

6 hours ago, peanutzmom said:

This describes us as well. We are Platinum, but we don’t return to Carnival for the free perks from the loyalty program. We have cruised on other lines (most recently RCI and MSC), and we have found that Carnival best fits our needs as far as itineraries and prices go. The food, service, cabins, and entertainment are at least comparable and sometimes  better than other lines charging higher prices, so we are happy to continue doing most of our cruising with Carnival, regardless of the perks (or lack thereof).

As are the vast majority

[Guest]

I heard recently from my "guy" that works in the mail room at Carnival world headquarters and he tells me that Carnival will be transitioning to a membership fee based loyalty system.

 

Everyone will be "Blue". Red perks will be for Carnival credit card holders, Gold perks will be $200 a year, Platinum perks will be $500 a year, and Diamond will be $2,500 a year.