Platinum Cruisers - Is Your Room Ready Upon Embarkation?

[Rowan555]

I think Dave (Jetskier) posted a while back that platinum guests' staterooms are ready as soon as embarkation begins. Is this still the case? I would LOVE to be able to go put our things in our stateroom as soon as we embark - that would be a huge perk IMO. On the Fantasy, though, they have the "big doors" closed to where you can't even get to the staterooms - so if our room is ready, how do we actually GET to it? We're in E45 this time, which means our stateroom is literally a few steps away from us when we board the ship. I really hope we can have use of the cabin right away. I might just go straight to the hot tub if I can go change and grab my towel ;-)

[Debe7ing]

Of all our cruises, we have never had to wait for our room to be ready (just dumb luck I would assume) but we always carry our bathing suit and cover with us in carry on...that way instead of running to the buffett to stuff our faces, we could duck into any restroom and change, stuff our clothes in the carryon and go right to the pool!

[Rowan555]

Of all our cruises, we have never had to wait for our room to be ready (just dumb luck I would assume) but we always carry our bathing suit and cover with us in carry on...that way instead of running to the buffett to stuff our faces, we could duck into any restroom and change, stuff our clothes in the carryon and go right to the pool!

 

 

In the past we've gotten lucky and had our room ready, but the past 3 or so cruises on the Fantasy they keep the big doors shut until 1:30 - so even if some of the rooms are ready, you really can't get to them until they want you to. I'm wondering how this affects platinum cruisers if they indeed are supposed to have access to their rooms upon embarkation.

[jordanaire]

On our past two cruises as Platinum Members, we had to wait with everyone else as the "big doors" didn't open until 1:30 to allow guests to go to their cabins. Sure would be nice if they did allow PMs to go to their cabins! Maybe we should suggest this on the comment cards at the end of the cruise?

 

:cool: Bill

[firefly333]

Iv never even heard of this Platinum perk?? I never saw it listed. Anyone have a link?

[CruzVinnieCruz]

Iv never even heard of this Platinum perk?? I never saw it listed. Anyone have a link?

 

It is not a perk I know of and we waited until the fire doors opened like everyone else.

 

Past Guest Loyalty Program

Carnival Concierge Club

We have introduced a loyalty program providing past guests with a variety of value-added benefits and features.

 

Available exclusively to Platinum Guest cardholders who have sailed aboard the Fun Ships ten times or more, the Carnival Concierge Club benefits are designed to recognize and reward those longtime Carnival guests for their loyalty over the years. These privileges and benefits will be offered on the tenth cruise. The program was rolled out fleet wide on 2/23/06.

 

Carnival Concierge Club members will receive a special welcome aboard letter from Carnival President and CEO, Gerry Cahill detailing the exclusive amenities and privileges available during their cruise:

 

Priority Embarkation

Upon arriving at the cruise terminal, the guest must ask for VIP Check-In, in ports where VIP Check-In is normally offered.

 

Personal Guest Service Staff

An exclusive, fully staffed Concierge Club desk for personal service has been established at the Purser’s Information Desk. In addition, a dedicated phone line is available from 8:00am-8:00pm.

 

Personalized Stationery

Special stationery personalized with the guests’ name will be delivered to the stateroom prior to embarkation.

 

Canapes (Note: For cruises 5 days or longer only)

Canapes will be delivered to the stateroom one evening via room service.

Petit Fours

Petit Fours will be delivered to the stateroom one evening via room service.

 

Carnival Logo Item

A special Carnival tote bag will be delivered to the stateroom (one per stateroom).

 

Complimentary Entry Fee into Blackjack or Slot Tournament

The Platinum Guest (18 years or older) will contact the Casino Cashier Cage for his/her complimentary ticket.

 

Complimentary Wash and Fold Laundry Service

Complimentary unlimited wash and fold laundry service.

 

Guaranteed Dining Assignments

Guests may change their assigned dining time.

Note: This is for the Platinum guest and immediate family, maximum of two staterooms.

Guaranteed Supper Club Reservations

Guests may get confirmed reservations for the Supper Club.

Priority Spa Carnival Reservations and Complimentary Treatment Upgrade

Guests will be encouraged to book early to be assured of their requested appointment selection.

Priority Tender Boarding

In ports where the ship will tender, guests not on a shore excursion will proceed to the Concierge Desk and be escorted to the appropriate gangway for the next available tender.

Priority Debarkation

Guests will receive a debarkation letter offering a choice of how they would prefer to disembark the ship. They will be given the choice of Self Assist (where offered) or regular debarkation; for regular debarkation, the guest will receive Carnival Concierge Club Luggage tags.

 

[LHP]

We always just drop our carry ones in the cabin as soon as we board (usually the first 10 folks on board after any weddings).

 

I had heard a rumor that all Platinum cabins are suppose to be ready by 10:30am. Not that being allowed in early is a priviledge, just that they are suppose to be the first cabins ready.

 

So I decided this past year to give this rumor a test. On all cruises since this rumor (6 cruises I think), our cabin has been ready by noon (or earlier if we got on before that).

 

We just walk in and drop our stuff in the closet and the cabin steward would always say...."your cabin is ready just close the door."

 

Again, this is just personal experience...but so far, the cabin has always been ready.

[jetskier]

I have talked to room stewards on the Holiday, Fantasy, and Conquest. They told me they have to have the Platinum guest cabins ready by 10:30am. If there is still a previous guest there at 9am, they are to get their supervisor. The supervisor will ask them to wait elsewhere.

 

I have not had a problem getting to my cabin. The cabin has been ready each time since achieving Platinum. Just open the fire door, go down to the cabin, show the room steward the Platinum card, put my stuff up in the closet, and then go to Lido.

 

Dave

[Rowan555]

Thanks, Dave! I guess I'm just really shy about opening those fire doors lol! I think we'll give it a try anyway.

[CruzVinnieCruz]

I have talked to room stewards on the Holiday, Fantasy, and Conquest. They told me they have to have the Platinum guest cabins ready by 10:30am. If there is still a previous guest there at 9am, they are to get their supervisor. The supervisor will ask them to wait elsewhere.

 

I have not had a problem getting to my cabin. The cabin has been ready each time since achieving Platinum. Just open the fire door, go down to the cabin, show the room steward the Platinum card, put my stuff up in the closet, and then go to Lido.

 

Dave

 

 

My only question is if it is a perk why wouldn't they just list it as one? I don't make it a habit of opening doors that have a sign on them asking me not too whether I am platinum or not. On the Miracle we saw more than a couple passengers being asked to close the fire doors after opening them. I did not know their past guest status but if it is a perk theres got to be a better way to handle it other than flashing your platinum card after they tell you to leave.

 

Just my opinion:)

[Musicman9859]

I have talked to room stewards on the Holiday, Fantasy, and Conquest. They told me they have to have the Platinum guest cabins ready by 10:30am. If there is still a previous guest there at 9am, they are to get their supervisor. The supervisor will ask them to wait elsewhere.

 

I have not had a problem getting to my cabin. The cabin has been ready each time since achieving Platinum. Just open the fire door, go down to the cabin, show the room steward the Platinum card, put my stuff up in the closet, and then go to Lido.

 

Dave

 

This sounds great but do you have to go to Lido (or leave your cabin immediately) once you find it? Seems that if the cabin is truly ready by 10:30am a Platinum passenger should be able to use it at their own discretion from that point on... Also, I agree with the previous poster that there should be a better system in place for Platinum than entering through those closed fire doors and then trying to locate the room steward to gain access to your cabin early. :cool:

[Rowan555]

This sounds great but do you have to go to Lido (or leave your cabin immediately) once you find it? Seems that if the cabin is truly ready by 10:30am a Platinum passenger should be able to use it at their own discretion from that point on... Also, I agree with the previous poster that there should be a better system in place for Platinum than entering through those closed fire doors and then trying to locate the room steward to gain access to your cabin early. :cool:

 

 

I'm sure Dave wasn't implying that you have to go to the Lido Deck - I think it's just assumed that most people begin their cruise with some food and drink on Lido. I am usually the first person on my cruise to order a burger - it's sort of my own personal tradition ;-)

[Musicman9859]

I'm sure Dave wasn't implying that you have to go to the Lido Deck - I think it's just assumed that most people begin their cruise with some food and drink on Lido. I am usually the first person on my cruise to order a burger - it's sort of my own personal tradition ;-)

 

Sure- I know we don't have to go to Lido but do we have to leave the room immediately once we find it? Do the stewards just give us clearance to drop our stuff off in the room early before being able to get more time in it after 1:30pm? Or can I , for example, take a late morning nap in the room before heading out?

[Elaine515]

My mom & I also open the fire door, walk to our cabin, try to find the Room Steward and introduce ourselves, put our bags in the room and go up to the Lido Deck (for me its the hot dogs!!!)... Now, my husband on the other hand, will meet us up on the Lido Deck, because, he too, will not open the door that has a sign "DO NOT ENTER"!!! (don't they say opposites attract :) )

 

 

Also, the above list is an old one, not updated....

 

Carnival Logo Item

A special Carnival tote bag will be delivered to the stateroom (one per stateroom).

 

Now its a thermos will be delivered to your stateroom....

 

 

 

Complimentary Entry Fee into Blackjack or Slot Tournament

The Platinum Guest (18 years or older) will contact the Casino Cashier Cage for his/her complimentary ticket.

 

Should also now be added, "Guests under 18 years old will get $5 worth of game chips delivered to their cabin... (it's about time they recognized them).

 

 

 

Etc etc... So, while some things might not be "advertised", our cabin too, has always been ready for us as soon as we board also.... And like some of you, YUP, we're there right behind the wedding parties!!! Makes it seem like a longer vacation.... We're also close to being the last ones off the ship as well...

[hug71]

i had no problem getting to my cabin on the glory before 1:30 to drop off my stuff. my cabin steward said the room would not be ready til about 1 and i asked if i could just drop off my carryons and put them in the closet. he said go ahead and i did. luckily my room was ready

[CruzVinnieCruz]

My mom & I also open the fire door, walk to our cabin, try to find the Room Steward and introduce ourselves, put our bags in the room and go up to the Lido Deck (for me its the hot dogs!!!)... Now, my husband on the other hand, will meet us up on the Lido Deck, because, he too, will not open the door that has a sign "DO NOT ENTER"!!! (don't they say opposites attract :) )

 

 

Also, the above list is an old one, not updated....

 

Carnival Logo Item

A special Carnival tote bag will be delivered to the stateroom (one per stateroom).

 

Now its a thermos will be delivered to your stateroom....

 

 

 

Complimentary Entry Fee into Blackjack or Slot Tournament

The Platinum Guest (18 years or older) will contact the Casino Cashier Cage for his/her complimentary ticket.

 

Should also now be added, "Guests under 18 years old will get $5 worth of game chips delivered to their cabin... (it's about time they recognized them).

 

 

 

Etc etc... So, while some things might not be "advertised", our cabin too, has always been ready for us as soon as we board also.... And like some of you, YUP, we're there right behind the wedding parties!!! Makes it seem like a longer vacation.... We're also close to being the last ones off the ship as well...

 

Ok here is the latest list from the Carnival website:

 

The point is I still do not see where it says platinum members can ignore the posted signs and go to their cabins. While explaining to the other four or five people that are following you that it's your perk not theirs. If it's a perk that Carnival wants it's loyal guest to have why not tell us. We have been the first ones on the ship after the wedding parties also so why would it be hard to have the representative at the VIP check in state that platinum members can proceed to directly to their rooms. It just makes me wonder if this just a couple of ships doing this or if it was rolled out to the entire fleet.

 

Additional note my DW and I both had a thermos waiting for us in the cabin.

 

GOLD

 

• Exclusive past guest offers

• Complimentary subscription to Currents magazine

• Vacation Interchange Privileges on Carnival sister brands

• Special Gold Sail & Sign card

• Invitation to special cocktail reception (5 day or longer cruise)

• Past Guest reunion cruises loaded with extras

 

PLATINUM

 

• All Gold member benefits

• Carnival Concierge Club benefits* including:

• Personalized stationery

• A special Carnival logo item

• Guaranteed dining times and supper club reservations

• Complimentary $20 entry fee into blackjack or slots tournament**

• Spa Carnival priority reservations

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

• Complimentary wash and fold laundry service

• Priority tender boarding

• Priority embarkation and debarkation

• Complimentary arcade tokens valued at $5 dollars for guests under

18 years of age

 

 

[Ms Belvedere]

The point is I still do not see where it says platinum members can ignore the posted signs and go to their cabins. While explaining to the other four or five people that are following you that it's your perk not theirs. If it's a perk that Carnival wants it's loyal guest to have why not tell us.

 

It's obviously not a perk if it's not listed in the Carnival paperwork listing Platinum advantages. It's something that a cruiser was told, unofficially, and found to be true - the room is ready for them when they board the ship. As far as opening the fire doors and walking to your cabin before they've been opened by crew members, I've seen it done and haven't been tempted to follow. Nothing to get upset about as far as I'm concerned.

Ms B

[CruzVinnieCruz]

It's obviously not a perk if it's not listed in the Carnival paperwork listing Platinum advantages. It's something that a cruiser was told, unofficially, and found to be true - the room is ready for them when they board the ship. As far as opening the fire doors and walking to your cabin before they've been opened by crew members, I've seen it done and haven't been tempted to follow. Nothing to get upset about as far as I'm concerned.

Ms B

 

I am not upset in the least. I just find it strange that Carnival would have "unofficial benefits". I travel a lot for business and have been Marriott platinum for years, hold various rental car company loyalty levels, airline frequent flier memberships and Carnival is the first to have this kind of benefit. I was just trying to figure out the logic behind it.

[Ms Belvedere]

I was just trying to figure out the logic behind it.

I wish you the best of luck.

[Captain Funtime]

I have been known to be a little tardy leaving my cabin at the end of the voyage.... Normally... almost all of the cabins have been turned by the time I leave....and it is WAY before 1 or 1:30. I have not encountered a problem stopping by the cabin to drop off my carry ons and washing my face etc. before going to the Chapel for prayer. Please Lord...don't let them run out of scotch.

[terryinal]

I just open the big door and drop my stuff off.I don't want to get in the way,so I leave and come back later.One time every door was open but mine,it was cleaned and locked.So I think they do try and have PL rooms ready.

[molme]

When we sailed on the Liberty last month we had heard this same story that the rooms for Platinum would be ready when we boarded. We stopped by the prusers desk to ask if this is true and they said no, we had to wait till 1:30 to get in it.

[Muumuu]

In Jan on the Miralce we were first on and went right to our cabin to drop off bags. We also left for the Lido right away. Cabin stewards said hello to us and never said a word about not being able to get to our room at that time. We were VIP"S on that cruise.

It is a great VIP perk that I would love to see.

[popcorngal]

Our cabin has never been ready when we boarded, but we've never encountered the fire door being closed either. We always just drop the bags, use the facilities and head for the Lido. This year, didn't think our steward was too thrilled to see us, but he was kind of a crab most of the week anyways...:rolleyes:

[PINEVIEW01]

I have not had a problem getting to my cabin. The cabin has been ready each time since achieving Platinum. Just open the fire door, go down to the cabin, show the room steward the Platinum card, put my stuff up in the closet, and then go to Lido.

 

Dave

Thanks for the heads up. I haven't been able to put mine in on the Elation, Liberty or Inspiration. Will pull the card out on the Triumph this week:D