CCL VIP is BS IMHO

[steveaaaa]

I got off the Imagination today and I am really not happy with the VIP program.It started as soon as we arrived.

Check-in was nice in the VIP lounge and we were brought to the front of the xray line.We then were brought up to a waiting area with a few hundred people in rows of seats to get the S&S cards.I was made to wait until my row was called and then proceded to the S&S card area where I found a VIP line.I asked why I was told to wait despite my questioning it and was told they were wrong in doing that,that is why VIP is written on your boarding pass.

Our free daily wash and fold only ended up being done twice since the steward screwed that up. e would forget to take it in the evening and then would take it the following night:rolleyes: .When I tried to submit a load for that day, I was told that we already submitted a load for that day.Well,that was the day before load.

I also ended up being charged for the 2 loads.

Getting off was also a joke,we were given written instructions to wait in the library and as soon as the ship was cleared we would be escorted off.Well,I saw many people getting off and after inquiring and losing my temper at the pursers,they called a social host to escort us.

Well he escorted us 10 feet and told us to wait in the line which was 200 people deep across two decks. If they did not forget us,we would have been first.When we recovered our bags,thanks to them the customs lines were huge and we waited forever again.

There were several other VIP things they screwed up which I will post later including goofing the petite fours,galley tour (didn't happen)Concierge line(not real) and even the Concerge host(their isn't one).I am very poed at this point and I am deciding what to do about it.

Steve

[firefly333]

Sounds like its a good thing that I would hate VIP or any special treatment and be embarrassed by it. I wouldnt want someone else handling my dirty underwear etc. That is why the program for repeat customers doesnt appeal to me from Carnival, but the one from RCI does appeal to me. They give you $200 off balconys (or more) plus you can get $200 in OBCs easily if you know how.

 

Im seriously considering cancelling my Conquest booking to drive to Florida (I live in Texas) just to get more cruises on RCI under my belt. Oh yea they give double cruise credit if you have a suite on RCI :)

[msolberg]

Sorry you didn't enjoy your VIP program - our experience with it has been great.

 

Diane

[Cotton]

Bless your little heart, Steveaaaa, you always seem to have problems.

 

I had quite the opposite on my Conquest cruise. I told the steward I didn't want my laundry done. (That's a private thing to me.) However, all the other little amenities were just great. I have no complaints at all. :)

[Au48]

I've cruised several times since getting Platinum status, and I can see to an extent what steve is talking about. While the VIP program definitely exists on the shorter cruises, it is not nearly as quality of a program as it is on 7+ night cruises. I have found certain aspects of the VIP program to be lacking on my experiences on Fascination and Imagination 3, 4, and 5 night cruises (although none of this irritated me), but had an incredible experience on the Valor and Legend.

 

I did find on several of the cruises, at embarkation, and come tender time, you basically had to have that Platinum card out, because otherwise, you would be in the lines.

[woodman]

We had the VIP treatment this month on the Glory and it was wonderful. Just for being return customers Carnival rewarded us with gifts and priority treatment through out our cruise. Right down to debarkation we were handed off to a porter that retrieved our bags and toted them to the parking lot for us. WOW what a happy experience. There was a bottle of wine to greet us and a gift each day of the cruise. It really was as nice tougch to a very good cruise. Sorry the o/p did not have a similar experience. WE cruise again on the Liberty in April and hope to repeat the VIP treatment from start to finish. If not OH Well we had it once.

[iluvdoxies]

No problems for us either==it's great.

[letscruisegd]

I've cruised twice since reaching platinum status (Destiny and Fascination), and received excellent service both times. On the Destiny, there was no line at all to board so the VIP status didn't make much of a difference there. About half way through the cruise when I hadn't used the laundry service yet, my room steward came to me and asked why I hadn't used it yet. She encouraged me to use the service since I earned it (I thought that was really sweet:)). I didn't send any personal items though; just shorts and tee shirts. I don't want anybody washing my undergarments except me:p. When I went on the Fascination the line to board was beginning to get a little long so I was glad I had the VIP perks. I was taken to the front of the line (to the ex-ray machine). From there I was taken to the VIP line and received service immediately. From what I've read on these boards it seems like the level of VIP service one gets is hit or miss. Hopefully your next VIP experience will be a more positive one.

[rwdtgb]

Sorry the op had such a bad experience...We Just returned from the Miracle and the VIP treatment from start to finish was flawless. We can't wait to see how it all works out on The Victory April 29th.

 

Tom

[runcassrun_07]

Steveaaaa:

I feel really bad for what you had experienced with VIP. We always love there services we have received in the past few cruises. I hope your next cruise with VIP is alot better.

[runcassrun_07]

Sorry the op had such a bad experience...We Just returned from the Miracle and the VIP treatment from start to finish was flawless. We can't wait to see how it all works out on The Victory April 29th.

 

Tom

We were on the Miracle last and our next cruise is on the Victory April 29th too. We have alot in comon. Hope VIP is great again on this cruise.:D

Cassandra

[Cruzman]

Different experiences with VIP. Last month we sailed on the Holiday from Mobile and the VIP treatment was the best! We were really treated as VIP's throughout the cruise from checkin to debarkation. Last November, from FLL, it basically was nonexistent. We sail again in 2 weeks from FLL; we shall see if anything has changed.

[deborahjo]

Sounds like its a good thing that I would hate VIP or any special treatment and be embarrassed by it. I wouldnt want someone else handling my dirty underwear etc. That is why the program for repeat customers doesnt appeal to me from Carnival, but the one from RCI does appeal to me. They give you $200 off balconys (or more) plus you can get $200 in OBCs easily if you know how.

 

Im seriously considering cancelling my Conquest booking to drive to Florida (I live in Texas) just to get more cruises on RCI under my belt. Oh yea they give double cruise credit if you have a suite on RCI :)

 

They give you all these nice little perks, RCI, But you pay for them. Their cruises are higher priced.

[Kurbanfan]

They give you all these nice little perks, RCI, But you pay for them. Their cruises are higher priced.

 

Then I guess it goes to show you get what you paid for:p

[popcorngal]

Let's not even go there...

[deborahjo]

Yep I get what I pay for. Carnival has the best ship out there and that is why I sail on it.

[luv2cruisecarnival]

Ok, I do not recall what qualifies one for VIP status. Can someone help me out?

[Au48]

VIP, or Platinum status is attained on your 10th Carnival cruise, and thereafter.

[luv2cruisecarnival]

Thanks for the quick reply. Looks like we have 5 more to go!

[PINEVIEW01]

Bless your little heart, Steveaaaa, you always seem to have problems.

 

I had quite the opposite on my Conquest cruise. I told the steward I didn't want my laundry done. (That's a private thing to me.) However, all the other little amenities were just great. I have no complaints at all. :)

I agree!

 

I did have a problem when I was VIP (bal.) before this program. I didn't realize we are supposed to be able to go to the head of the line for x-ray and I was made to stand in line for this.

I was on a 4 and 5 day on Inspiration since Platinum. I stood in line for x-ray the first time and than was taken to VIP check-in, no waiting. I was than walked over to wait in VIP lounge to wait as they weren't loading yet. I was the first on, on both cruises. Smooth sailing!

When I got to my room there was a welcome letter with a list of perks and my personalized platinum stationary. The list said I was entitled to wash and fold, it didn’t say daily. I used and loved this service! The four and five were b2b so; I had my wash done at the end of the four day. At the beginning of the five day I was joined by my DD and we met with a young couple from CC. Their luggage didn’t make the ship! With her being about our size we helped her out. The wash and fold saved the day for us. The petite fours were delivered on both cruises. I never called the number to arrange a Galley tour so don’t know how it would have been handled. I got a very nice quality tote bag with the Carnival logo on both.

On the first cruise the Concierge line worked great but on the second cruise not as good.

I can’t wait form my next Carnival cruise as a Platinum!!!!!

[klfrodo]

I got off the Imagination today and I am really not happy with the VIP program.It started as soon as we arrived.

Check-in was nice in the VIP lounge and we were brought to the front of the xray line.We then were brought up to a waiting area with a few hundred people in rows of seats to get the S&S cards.I was made to wait until my row was called and then proceded to the S&S card area where I found a VIP line.I asked why I was told to wait despite my questioning it and was told they were wrong in doing that,that is why VIP is written on your boarding pass.

Our free daily wash and fold only ended up being done twice since the steward screwed that up. e would forget to take it in the evening and then would take it the following night:rolleyes: .When I tried to submit a load for that day, I was told that we already submitted a load for that day.Well,that was the day before load.

I also ended up being charged for the 2 loads.

Getting off was also a joke,we were given written instructions to wait in the library and as soon as the ship was cleared we would be escorted off.Well,I saw many people getting off and after inquiring and losing my temper at the pursers,they called a social host to escort us.

Well he escorted us 10 feet and told us to wait in the line which was 200 people deep across two decks. If they did not forget us,we would have been first.When we recovered our bags,thanks to them the customs lines were huge and we waited forever again.

There were several other VIP things they screwed up which I will post later including goofing the petite fours,galley tour (didn't happen)Concierge line(not real) and even the Concerge host(their isn't one).I am very poed at this point and I am deciding what to do about it.

Steve

 

Could it be that the Carnival personnel have read all of your anti-tipping posts?

[LHP]

We have used the VIP 4 times in 3 different ports (Tampa, Long Beach and New Orleans) and have had excellent results so far.

 

But then, I do not have a "sheep" mentality. I know what to expect and if that is not happening....I find out why. At Check In, I know what will take place and if anything deviates from that....I make sure it is corrected immediately.

 

When sending clothes for the free wash and fold (which we have used one or twice on every cruise)...I mark the tag clearly "PLATINUM FREE WASH AND FOLD" and I write the same thing on the bag. We have never been charged.

 

As for the debarkation, this is where Carnival needs to do better.

 

I believe the main problem is that Carnival did not anticipate how many people would use the self assist debarkation.

 

On our last cruise a couple of weeks ago, the "VIP debarkation letter" allowed VIP self assist first. *(then the regular self assist) Then the VIP debarkation and then the regular debarkation.

 

We elected to do the VIP debarkation (not self assist) and all the self assist people had filled up the customs line .... but here is a trick at the New Orleans port...if you use a porter...they will take you to the head of the side by going a side way. We bypassed that long line ..got our luggage and was out in minutes.

[truecruiser]

i am confused about whether you have had vip svc b/4 or not. from your cruise history, you wld clearly be platinum b/4 this sailing if they had properly credited your cruises to your PG#, but you make no mention of it not being (or being) a problem on past cruises.

 

has it worked well b/4? did you get everything you were supposed to as a platinum member on prior cruises, or was this the first time you used the status?

 

not being coy. sincerly asking b/c your thread says VIP is BS, but if worked well b/4, it wld seem more like a problem w/ that particular port's ground employees (was it miami?), and a problem w/ the imagination's crew. was that the case?

[steveaaaa]

i am confused about whether you have had vip svc b/4 or not. from your cruise history, you wld clearly be platinum b/4 this sailing if they had properly credited your cruises to your PG#, but you make no mention of it not being (or being) a problem on past cruises.

 

has it worked well b/4? did you get everything you were supposed to as a platinum member on prior cruises, or was this the first time you used the status?

 

not being coy. sincerly asking b/c your thread says VIP is BS, but if worked well b/4, it wld seem more like a problem w/ that particular port's ground employees (was it miami?), and a problem w/ the imagination's crew. was that the case?

 

Truecruiser,

Never had VIP service before and I should not have either as I did not plan on sailing CCL for a few years.Thanks to my PVP offering me a great deal and selling me on the benefits of being a VIP I booked this past cruise and one for next year and cancelled a NCL booking.Even this past one was to be a mystery 72 hour notice cruise,but the PVP gave me the good deal to book back then.

The biggest problem is the personel are not aware fully. Yes it was Miami and I know it was not a major thing and I am not going to cancel my Glory cruise next year,but I do want them to be accountable for what they promised.How, I have not figured that out yet.I have the email from the PVP telling me about the debarkation service which they failed badly.I did take names,documented times,ect.

Another issue as another poster stated above is this self assist is out of hand.This also was an issue I noticed.It seemed half the ship did it and it was prior to VIP. I was told originally buy my PVP that VIP goes first.But I received a letter on board that stated self assist,VIP,then general.

On other items, they apparently delivered the petite fours after we left for dinner (6.15) and we did not get back to the cabin until almost 2am) so the Salmon,shrimp,ect was left out for how many hours?

The logo gift was delivered only after I asked for it.

Galley tour was the 1st sea day,not any other day.Thanks for letting me know.

The Concierge phone number is the pursers desk.

The Concierge host is the purser also.

Almost got into a fight over the Concierge line.They need a couple of posts and a line to seperate it or give the illusion of a sperate line.One day the line to the pursers was real long,about 50 people so I walked right up and stood behind someone there and a guy came up to me and told me the line is back there,I told him that I am entiltled to stand here and showed him my card and he backed off.

We used the casino entry which was a breeze.

 

I will call CCL on Monday,I don't know why but I have nothing better to do.I have the luxury of being able to call morning, noon, and night for the next 368 days if I so desire:eek: :D and my telephone service is unlimited.

 

The real issue here is not the lack or screw ups but listening to my wife about it and she too was sold a bill of goods and I don't blame her either.I cannot accept the what was done was done and move on because I am still living it and will probably have to listen to it for months or until the next cruise.

Steve

[Guest YesitDonna]

I have cruises a few times since becoming a platinum cruiser and I think the things they GIVE you are nice, lets face it, they don't have to give us anything in reality and didn't until last year. Without a doubt they do forget things and they don't always run as smoothly as they should but I'm pretty sure that you enounter this pretty much everywhere and not just with Carnivals program. I am happy for what extras I get and I am on my way.