VIP gifts in cabin

[jamon]

We recently returned (9/24/06) from a cruise on the Valor. Since we are Platinum members we received some gifts from Carnival. One was a blue tote bag, but we only received one, even though both my wife and I have over 10 cruises with Carnival. I thought that we should have gotten 2, but was informed by the pursers desk that they recently changed that and now only give one to a cabin even though both parties are Platinum. Just wondering if anyone else has had that happen to them? Also, does anyone know when they will change to another type gift.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

We recently returned (9/24/06) from a cruise on the Valor. Since we are Platinum members we received some gifts from Carnival. One was a blue tote bag, but we only received one, even though both my wife and I have over 10 cruises with Carnival. I thought that we should have gotten 2, but was informed by the pursers desk that they recently changed that and now only give one to a cabin even though both parties are Platinum. Just wondering if anyone else has had that happen to them? Also, does anyone know when they will change to another type gift.

 

We each received two on our 2 July cruises, as well as ours on August 31st. I will let you know after our Sensation cruise on 10/26.

 

No idea when (or to what) the "gift" might change. You did receive a key chain also, correct?

 

Did everything else on the Platinum list get to you (canapés, etc...)?

 

Tom

[Gator Bait]

Yep, they must have changed. But I'm confused on our August 10 (Inspiration) we got one of everything BUT on our Sept 2 (Inspiration) cruise we got two of everything including two canapés. We are just off the Miracle, received one tote bag, one Carnival pen, and one plate of canapés . Never have got a key chain yet though.

[jamon]

No we did not get any keychains or pens...and only one bag...we did get canapes one one night and petit fours (?) on another night...we were both able to enter the slot tournament for free and we did avail ourselves of the priority tendering and debarkation.....

[LHP]

In March on the Pride we got FOUR! (hubby, myself and both boys are all Platinum) We gave 2 away to friends (RCCL cruisers) who were cruising with us. (They loved the Pride, btw!)

 

If that has changed...no problem. I thought it was pretty silly to get 4.

However, I wish they would let hubby or I use the boy's free slot tourny entries. They could not use them because they were under 18.

[Zeta3]

We are on the Sensatoin 2 weeks ago and received a large fruit basket, 2 key chains and 1 tote bag. Honestly the priority boarding and debarkation were what we appreciated the most.

[LHP]

We are on the Sensatoin 2 weeks ago and received a large fruit basket, 2 key chains and 1 tote bag. Honestly the priority boarding and debarkation were what we appreciated the most.

 

I'm with you!! Although I actually used the free wash and fold service TWICE on the Pride and loved it!!!

[ugotoots]

Just wondering if you get flowers or anything special in a Cat 12 Penthouse Suite. I am still only a Gold member as this will be my 5th cruise w/Carnival.

 

Thanks.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Just wondering if you get flowers or anything special in a Cat 12 Penthouse Suite. I am still only a Gold member as this will be my 5th cruise w/Carnival.

 

Thanks.

 

No - you will receive priority embarkation.

 

Tom

[ugotoots]

I ordered the Corona butcket and flowers plus 12 candy globlets and a box of cookies so I will have something waiting for us.

 

Thanks.

[D4]

How does the priority tendering work for Platinum members?

[Gator Bait]

How does the priority tendering work for Platinum members?

You just go down to the pursers desk right before you want to get on the tender, ask for priority tendering, they will have someone escort you to the front of the line. At least that's what they have done for us.

[LadySpoilt]

You just go down to the pursers desk right before you want to get on the tender, ask for priority tendering, they will have someone escort you to the front of the line. At least that's what they have done for us.

 

That was definately the best perk I think! Not have to go down for a tender ticket, or wait in line in the stairwells.

Spoilt

[Sandgnat]

How does the priority tendering work for Platinum members?

As stated before they should escort you down. On the Inspiration in August, we went for priority boarding and were told to go to the lounge and we could get on with the tour groups. I showed them my letter and said we were supposed to get priority tendering and gong to the lounge was not priority. They were very inexperienced on this cruise on many of the Platinum perks. We were finally taken down stairs and were on the first tender but only because we spoke up. They are supposed to have a special purser for Platinum members but I could not find one on this cruise. The perks are nice but there is need for improvement to be able to follow their own list of perks.

[LadySpoilt]

As stated before they should escort you down. On the Inspiration in August, we went for priority boarding and were told to go to the lounge and we could get on with the tour groups. I showed them my letter and said we were supposed to get priority tendering and gong to the lounge was not priority. They were very inexperienced on this cruise on many of the Platinum perks. We were finally taken down stairs and were on the first tender but only because we spoke up. They are supposed to have a special purser for Platinum members but I could not find one on this cruise. The perks are nice but there is need for improvement to be able to follow their own list of perks.

 

I don't like the sound of this. We are taking the Inspiration tomorrow, and looking forward to the priority tendering. We loved it on the Elation. Maybe by now they have worked out the kinks on the Inspiration.

On the Elation, they had a special area at the end of the pursers desk with a sign that said "Platinum members". We were always able to just walk up to it, and were immediately waited on. We were even able to bypass the long line at the excursion desk, and sign up for our excursions there.

Spoilt

[LHP]

We did not use our Platinum Priority Tendering like that in Cabo. We just went down to the tenders and "flashed" our Platinum in lieu of having to go get a number at the theater. I guess basically we just used our Platinum like a tender number without having to get one. I don't think I would want to walk infront of everyone else who had gone down to get a number. But that is just me...

[GranysT]

I have a question concerning these color coded cards for past cruisers. Do you switch from Gold to Platinum at cruise #10,or when you have completed your 10th cruise?In other words your Platinum on cruise #11? Is there a place that will list the perks included in the different level's? Far as I can tell,they don't do a thing for a Gold member.

[LadySpoilt]

We did not use our Platinum Priority Tendering like that in Cabo. We just went down to the tenders and "flashed" our Platinum in lieu of having to go get a number at the theater. I guess basically we just used our Platinum like a tender number without having to get one. I don't think I would want to walk infront of everyone else who had gone down to get a number. But that is just me...

 

Actually we asked at the Pursers desk the day before tendering and that was what they told us to do. Come to Platinum section of desk, show them our card, and they would escort us down to the tender. Thats exactly what they did. Yes, we did get a few looks from the people standing in line, but as many on here say....it was perk we earned after 20+ cruises....and we used it as we were instructed.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

I have a question concerning these color coded cards for past cruisers. Do you switch from Gold to Platinum at cruise #10,or when you have completed your 10th cruise?In other words your Platinum on cruise #11? Is there a place that will list the perks included in the different level's? Far as I can tell,they don't do a thing for a Gold member.

 

You are platinum ON your 10th.

 

Tom

[Sandgnat]

I don't like the sound of this. We are taking the Inspiration tomorrow, and looking forward to the priority tendering. We loved it on the Elation. Maybe by now they have worked out the kinks on the Inspiration.

On the Elation, they had a special area at the end of the pursers desk with a sign that said "Platinum members". We were always able to just walk up to it, and were immediately waited on. We were even able to bypass the long line at the excursion desk, and sign up for our excursions there.

Spoilt

There were many people using the Platinum line who were not platinum on this cruise. I received many rude comments from guest in the other line about cutting in line by using the Platinum line. When we inquired about the special tour for Platinum no one knew when it was, I was first told we just were going with the rest of the cruisers instead of a private tour of the galley, when I showed them the letter stating a privat tour they took my name and cabin number. It was the last day and I still had not heard anything so I called the special line for Platinum members and finally got a time for the tour. It was nice to go on the tour alone and hear the whole speach. When it came time to disembark, we met in the library like instructed and they finally came and got us 1 hour after they said we would disembark. They did not bring us to the front of the line for priority disembarking, many, many guest were off the ship getting their luggage before we were able to get off. We were finally off the ship at 940am. I just believe that if some of the perks are these that are stated then they need to work and make sure they are possible prior to stating they are available. As far as tendering there was only the golf group down at the disembarking station when we were brought down so we weren't marched down in front of anyone. It is nice having the perks but they do have some work to do to perfect it.

[Gator Bait]

I have to agree about the perks of having priority boarding being the best. My DH (bless his heart) was an only child and was raised in a military school. He is such a gentleman and will let everyone cut in line (and sometimes people CAN really be rude) and not say a word. Some times I would look back in a line and couldn't even see him because so many people had cut in. Well..... I am 9th of 10 children. In our house it was the first fork that hit the last pork chop that got it. That last pork chop back then (if you didn't get your hand stabbed by the other competing forks) seemed like the best tasting one yet. So I learned early in life to be quick and I'm sorry to say that I am not near as passive as my DH. Priority boarding really is a wonderful perk for us as we don't get separated while boarding.

[GranysT]

Thanks for the answer Tom. So,after my Spirit cruise in April,I will be Platinum with Carnival. Actually,I would be Platinum on the Spirit cruise,except Carnival doesn't credit our very first cruise on Mardi Gras,back in 88.

 

Does Carnival automatically let you know that you are now Platinum?

 

I just became Platinum with RCL,and they sent me a nice letter welcoming me to the new level.

 

Still wondering if anyone knows where Carnival might list what the perks are(supposed to be,it seems) for Platinum level? If Carnival doesn't actually have it in writing anywhere,can anyone who knows the perks,list them here for me? Thanks for any info,it's always welcome.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Still wondering if anyone knows where Carnival might list what the perks are(supposed to be,it seems) for Platinum level? If Carnival doesn't actually have it in writing anywhere,can anyone who knows the perks,list them here for me? Thanks for any info,it's always welcome.

 

From the Carnival website:

---------------------------------------------------------------

Carnival Cruise Lines Rolls Out New Past Guest Loyalty Program

 

05/18/2006

 

MIAMI (May 18, 2006) – Carnival Cruise Lines has introduced a new loyalty program providing past guests with a variety of value-added benefits and features, including priority embarkation and debarkation, guaranteed supper club reservations and dining times, personalized stationery and custom-designed Carnival logo items.

 

Available exclusively to “Platinum” cardholders who have sailed aboard the “Fun Ships” 10 or more times, the new “Carnival Concierge Club” benefits are designed to recognize and reward those longtime Carnival guests for their loyalty over the years.

 

“Carnival is committed to the highest standards of guest service and hospitality. The new ‘Carnival Concierge Club’ is just one more way of showing our appreciation to our loyal past guests by making their ‘Fun Ship’ cruise even more special and memorable,” said Bob Dickinson, Carnival president and CEO.

 

Platinum cardholders are entitled to the following shipboard benefits and features:

 

* Petit fours and/or canapés delivered to cabin one evening

 

* Personalized stationery

 

* A special Carnival logo item

 

* Guaranteed dining times and supper club reservations

 

* Complimentary $20 entry fee into blackjack tournament

 

* Spa Carnival priority reservations and complimentary treatment upgrade

 

* Complimentary wash and fold laundry service

 

* Priority tender boarding

 

* Priority embarkation and debarkation

 

 

Additionally, a fully staffed concierge desk for Platinum cardholders has been established at the purser’s information desk aboard every Carnival ship. A dedicated phone line is available fleetwide, as well.

 

Special luggage tags indicating guests are “Carnival Concierge Club” members are included in guests’ cruise documents. “Carnival Concierge Club” members also receive a special Welcome Aboard letter from Carnival President and CEO Bob Dickinson detailing the exclusive amenities and privileges available during their cruise.

 

For additional information on the new “Carnival Concierge Club” and reservations on Carnival’s “Fun Ship” cruises, contact any travel agent, call 1-800-CARNIVAL or visit carnival.com.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Darn... double post!!!

[GranysT]

Thanks again,Tom. I appreciate your info.

By the way, my name is Cheryl also. lol