Just Home from Fantasy - Platinum was a JOKE!

[Rowan555]

Just returned home from 5 days on the Fantasy - as always, we loved the ship - food, service, everything was top notch. That being said, this was my first cruise as a Platinum guest, and I was excited about the various perks I would receive. Looking back, Platinum was the only "bad" thing about our cruise - mainly because we expected perks and realized that Platinum means almost nothing - at least that was the case on our cruise.

 

When we arrived at the terminal, we showed our "proceed to VIP" boarding pass to the staff member - we were told to get in the regular line to go through the security checkpoint. After making it through that line, we saw the sign pointing to VIP check in and entered the room. The room had about 20 people in it, but no Carnival staff. About 10 minutes later an employee came in, gave everyone in the room their sail and sign cards, and escorted them to the waiting area. She returned about 5 minutes later, and we checked in at that time. She walked us to the VIP seating area and noted that there were no free chairs. She shrugged and said, "Well, too many of you all arrived at the same time. We'll have to get more chairs." We stood, and our kids sat on the floor. 30 minutes later we were still standing there waiting for chairs. We ended up boarding a whopping two minutes before the rest of our family, who were not platinum and all had chairs to sit in, lol.

 

Throughout the entire cruise, there were first time cruisers in the platinum line at the purser's desk, and no one ever said anything to them about being in the wrong line. I had to use the line 3 times, and all 3 times there were several people with blue cards in front of me. This morning I actually told them to get out of the line - I had had enough, lol!

 

I didn't use the free laundry perk all week, and then on the last sea day our steward mentioned that it was free for me and asked us why we hadn't given him any laundry, so we gave him a bag. This morning while getting ready to disembark, we discovered we had been charged for it. I went to the pursers desk and they told me they removed it - but I will need to check my credit card to make sure I received a credit.

 

We were instructed to wait in the lobby at 7 AM to do Platinum self assist debarkation. It was just us and one other family - the other family was telling us about how on the Sensation the Platinum people were forgotten about, and they started general self assist debarkation without letting them off the ship first. So to avoid that, he spoke to the pursers desk, and he was assured we would be escorted off before the announcement was made for debarkation to begin. So while people began piling into the lobby even though they were asked not to, we sat in our designated area, sure that we'd be taken care of. Well, at 7:10 the announcement was made for self assist debarkation, and by then there were 100 or so people in line. We attempted to get assistance from the purser's desk, but we were ignored, so we just got in line and got off with everyone else.

 

Now I'm not a "complainer", and we had a fabulous cruise. I just think there is some serious room for improvement regarding the Platinum Perks and how they are handled. I left this morning with a bad taste in my mouth about Carnival, and I don't think that's what Carnival intended when they came up with this list of perks. They need to work out the kinks or they're going to alienate their most loyal customers. I'll definitely be sending a letter later today.

[Kris7562]

Sorry to hear about the issues with the perks.... I leave for New Orleans the day after tomorrow : ) Any suggestions for things to do in port or on the ship?

[Rowan555]

Sorry to hear about the issues with the perks.... I leave for New Orleans the day after tomorrow : ) Any suggestions for things to do in port or on the ship?

 

 

On the ship, don't miss the afternoon tea in Cleopatras on sea days at 3:30 - it's a very nice experience that is becoming much more popular lately. On our last few cruises there were only a few people at tea - this time it was a full house!

 

In Progreso we just walked to the beach and sat across from Del Sol (I think) - the 10 of us had chips and salsa and a few drinks each and the bill was less than $30 with tip! The water is not as clear as in Cozumel, but our kids all had a blast and it was a nice, relaxing day.

 

In Cozumel we did Paradise Beach, but we found the service lacking this trip, and the water was so full of seaweed that we didn't want to go in. We've done an ATV tour through an independent provider there before, and it was the best time we've ever had in Cozumel. I highly recommend it.

 

If you have some time in New Orleans, be sure to go to Cafe du Monde for beignets, and have lunch or dinner at Gumbo Shop on St Peters Street - it's to the left of the Cathedral. Best authentic creole meal ever - try the Combination Plate!

 

Hope you have a great cruise.

[RjayB]

We've done an ATV tour through an independent provider there before, and it was the best time we've ever had in Cozumel. I highly recommend it.

 

Could you give a little more info on this independent tour company? This sounds like fun for our June cruise. :)

 

Sorry the Platinum perks didn't work out for you, I recall reading about a few others who have had similar experiences.

[BrendaB1]

I cruised twice out of Nola with Platinum status & have always received great service at check in, on the ship & at debarkation. Sorry to hear they are having problems. Hope they get those corrected before I arrive in two weeks.

Slight problem at Pursers Desk but I spoke up & was waited on immediately. Some may disagree, but after spending thousands of dollars on lots of cruises, I feel like I am entitled to the perk that is offered.

 

I used the laundry service with no problem. Just wrote FREE on the bag.

 

Did you receive your other goodies & gifts in the cabin?

[Rowan555]

You can find the ATV info at cozumelcruiseexcursions dot com. We did the 2 hour tour b/c it's $20 cheaper per person and is the SAME tour as what you get if you do the 4 hour tour - the only difference is that on the longer tour you spend an hour or so at a beach, then they take you back downtown. You can actually take the 2 hour tour and still get dropped off at a beach of your choice, then just take a cab back downtown ($15 or so for up to 4 people). If you ask them, they will tell you that the 4 hour tour gives you more ATV time - this is not true, as half our group was on the 4 hour tour and half on the 2 hour tour, and we all had the same exact ATV portion.

[tbjl24]

I would definitely bring this to the attention of Customer Service in Miami. I myself am not a platinum cruiser(yet), but when that day comes I feel I should be entitled to those perks.

 

I would be just as disappointed as you are!!!

 

Maybe drop a comment to John Heald, as well? http://johnhealdsblog.com/

[Lewdog]

Sorry to hear about the issues with the perks.... I leave for New Orleans the day after tomorrow : ) Any suggestions for things to do in port or on the ship?

 

For authentic Cajun food go to Coop's Place on Decatur street. It's where the locals eat.

[nolaAlive]

On the laundry, you still need to fill out the paperwork and I write Platinum on it and the bag and fill in the total of 0.00.

 

With Platinum in New Orleans, I have bypassed the photography line and just walked onto the ship.

 

I don't do self-debarkation - I do put the number 1 tags on my luggage and take my time getting off the ship. My luggage is waiting for me nearest the immigration folks.

 

Occasionally sometimes things can get confused, but that is at all ports, not just New Orleans. Recently we were waiting and waiting in Long Beach. It seems the Platinum SS cards ahd not been delivered to the Platinum desk so we waited until they were.

 

When you are Platinum, there should be a letter in your cabin outlining what the benefits are.

[Wennfred]

On the Valet Laundry bag, make sure that when you fill out your name and cabin number also write in bold letters Platinum Guest. Thats what I did and I also used a Black Sharpie Pen.

 

Onboard Freedom, they totally didn't add Wendy as a Platinum Guest and she had the Card. She wasn't on the Galley list nor the Casino List for the free Slot/BJ tournatment entry. And we only got 1 gift per stateroom. Later I was called and told I could go to the pursers deck and request the 2nd gift for Wendy.

 

Onboard Paradise since I booked last minute, same day as the ship was leaving. The Long Beach Cruise Terminal didnt have a Platinum Card for me, luckly I had my Freedom Card on me to show them. They gave me a Gold Card instead and later while onboard I had it changed and ensured that I was now in the System.

 

Its has always been during Disembarkation that they tell us to go to a nice lounge and wait, but this is at 8am, self assist always went first.

 

Self Assist goes around 7:30am

Zones 1 - 3 start around 8am (CVC Guest and Platinum Guest are Zone 1)

 

 

 

 

 

Fred

[nolaAlive]

...the Casino List for the free Slot/BJ tournatment entry.

 

 

How could i forget that?

 

And even if you don't use on your current cruise, just save for your next. ;)

[Rowan555]

How could i forget that?

 

And even if you don't use on your current cruise, just save for your next. ;)

 

 

When I brought the slot tournament card to the casino host, they checked my card and crossed my name off a printed up list. I'm not sure if you can save the free entry card for a future cruise. They said that I had to use the card myself and could not give it to my husband to use. It seemed that it has to be used by you, on that particular sailing. I'm not sure if it's different on other ships.

[Wennfred]

When I brought the slot tournament card to the casino host, they checked my card and crossed my name off a printed up list. I'm not sure if you can save the free entry card for a future cruise. They said that I had to use the card myself and could not give it to my husband to use. It seemed that it has to be used by you, on that particular sailing. I'm not sure if it's different on other ships.

 

It was the same Complimentary card what was issued onboard Freedom and Paradise.

 

 

Fred

[nolaAlive]

When I brought the slot tournament card to the casino host, they checked my card and crossed my name off a printed up list. I'm not sure if you can save the free entry card for a future cruise. They said that I had to use the card myself and could not give it to my husband to use. It seemed that it has to be used by you, on that particular sailing. I'm not sure if it's different on other ships.

 

Not that you are supposed to, but you can use another time or give away or whatever. Within a given tournament, you can enter multiple times (one at a time). If you used multiple free plays the same day, they might notice.

[Jdfireman]

Hello all JD from NJ here. I have been on a few VIP trips in the last 2 years and I will say it depends on the port you are at and the boat you are on.

 

I have seen some where you get on right away and some where you wait with everyone else I have sat and waited to get off a boat for a long period of time while others were all ready gone..

 

I remember when the program first started you used to get a special envlope from the super shopper with extra discounts in it. That has gone away on some boats. As i said to start it all depends on the boat and the staff.. Use those comments cards they do help

 

jD

[LHP]

Rowan:

 

I agree the Platinum part of your cruise was a bummer. All of your complaints are very valid and need to be addressed. Two complaints (on board the ship) we have experienced before.

 

We have sailed 3 times out of New Orleans as Platinum in 06 & 07 and have never had an issue. In fact, all 3 times there was a VIP line even for the Security Line to the far left. The last time was in August. We were usually the first or second folks in there. We have always had a chair and usually were the first 10 folks on board (after any weddings).

 

However, I have noticed the New Orleans port does seem to be the least organized of the ports we have been to recently. As we sat in the VIP section, we watched people getting their picture taken and no one was there to tell them where to go and sit down. So naturally, they would sit in the first chairs they saw...which was VIP...then someone would come by and check and when they were not VIP...they were told to move. This scenerio was repeated over and over again.

 

The photographers should be trained to instruct regular folks where to go next OR have someone there directing people. Once the picture is taken...it is like these cruisers are abandoned.

 

As for people using the Platinum line at the Purser's Desk. I have no problem with Carnival allowing A person to use that line if no Platinum people are needing assistance. But people should stand in the regular line and then be directed to the Platinum Purser (if he/she isn't busy assisting Platinum people) ONE AT A TIME. That way, if a Platinum person walks up...they only have one person ahead of them.

 

I certainly don't expect a Purser to stand there all day and not help anyone BUT Platinum people. That would be a waste. But the Platinum Purser should be "aware" at all times of the people who are waiting...to make sure a Platinum member does not wait on more than ONE person who is not VIP.

We too have experienced this, but it is rare.

 

The waiting for Platinum self assist being messed up is another "perk" that we have experienced handled poorly on other ships. But, of course, that was a ship issue, not a port issue.

 

As for the free wash and fold, we have never been charged...but as noted earlier...we CLEARLY MARK the bag AND THE TICKET..."PLATINUM - FREE WASH AND FOLD".

 

If "perks" are going to be offered, they would be executed properly. It won't ever be perfect, but the "error" should be the exception not the rule. And I am seeing a couple of things consistantly being "harder than it should be" on various ships.

[Lewdog]

You people listen to LHP, she knows what she is talking about.

[Wennfred]

Onboard Freedom, if you wasnt Platinum and stood in the Concierge line, you was directed to the correct line.

 

 

Fred

[PINEVIEW01]

Hello all JD from NJ here. I have been on a few VIP trips in the last 2 years and I will say it depends on the port you are at and the boat you are on.

This is so true and the bottom line!

 

I have seen some where you get on right away and some where you wait with everyone else I have sat and waited to get off a boat for a long period of time while others were all ready gone..

Same here!

 

I remember when the program first started you used to get a special envlope from the super shopper with extra discounts in it. That has gone away on some boats. As i said to start it all depends on the boat and the staff.. Use those comments cards they do help

I have never gotten these, see, ship to ship.

 

I have been on the same ship two weeks in a row and have seen things handle great on one and not so great on the next:(

[Wennfred]

Port of Miami is one of those ports that treat you very well as VIP or Platinum.

 

 

Fred

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Port Canaveral is the only port we have noted a VIP line for security (we, thus far, have only sailed from Florida ports).

 

The "SPECIAL" line at the Purser's is HIT OR MISS. Often we have immediate service. Other times we have waited there while a couple of people have helped person after person in the "regular" line and not come over to help us. On several occasions we have waited behind multiple (non-Platinum) people... :rolleyes:

 

Debarkation is usually our biggest problem - though in general they seem to be getting better. We have been "forgotten" a couple of times - as well as leaving only after hoards of people crowded in front of us. Carnival needs to get a FIRM grip on their debarkation procedures and have it applied FLEET WIDE - and I am not only talking Platinum here!!! During our FIRST cruise on Celebrity we had an amazing debarkation - a lounge with pastries, juice, coffee - getting off (when the time came) was effortless (virtually LINE FREE). Cheryl and I looked at each other several times and did not have to say a word - we did not know that this level of organization was "possible"!!

 

Tom

[LHP]

You people listen to LHP, she knows what she is talking about.

 

You tell 'em Lewdog!! :D

 

Hope the move went smoothly and everything is settling in nicely.

 

Where are you and the lovely Ms. Lewdog cruising to next?

[Sandgnat]

On the Inspiration they have finally roped off an area for Platinum and it has a rug right inbetween the ropes. They had at the begining of starting platinum status one rope and just the platinum sign above the pursers desk, then the ropes were gone for a few cruises and there was no distinction between the two areas. I received some very nasty comments when I walked up to where the Platinum sign was when there were no ropes about cutting in line. I believe if you are going to give a perk then you should make sure you are actually able to give the perk. I know when I fly I can not get in the 1st class line to get checked in quicker if I don't have a 1st class ticket and people now can see the different areas. I like how they now have the area marked on the Inspiration. Host Mach has some pictures of it in his post on the Inspiration.

 

I think Carnival should really advertise the difference in the cards and what perks it gets. So many cruisers don't know about the differences. On our last cruise we were to meet in front of the excursion desk for VIP embarkation. I was told to go through the door of the art gallery to the lobby. These doors are shut by customs and they will only allow platinum in the area before clearing the ship. Some tried to follow us and were upset when they were not allowed. When they asked why we were allowed and were told we were platinum they stated "Well how do you get that" If you don't read it here on these boards or know some one who is platinum people have no idea what it entails. The other things I would like to see changed about platinum if they let you choose your treats sent to your room and the Carnival Logo item. The seafood tray they send does not get eaten by me but I would love choc. covered strawberries. I have 6 carnival bags and one thermos. I have no idea how long the thermos will be given out but how many of these do I really need. I am not complaining because any thing is a plus as I would still cruise CCL even if there were no perks. I just think if they gave you a menu with the items to pick and you gave it to your steward it would be better. The items could increase increase in worth by how many cruises you have taken ie.. 10-15 cruises could have the bag, thermos, t-shirt, cup. 16-20 could be a towel, sweat shirt 21-25 robe, jacket. Just my idea.

[Lewdog]

You tell 'em Lewdog!! :D

 

Hope the move went smoothly and everything is settling in nicely.

 

Where are you and the lovely Ms. Lewdog cruising to next?

 

Everything went well, thank you. Mrs. Lewdog ended up getting the job she wanted at the college so now we finally have insurance! I needed a change so for a while I am cooking in a busy little Cajun place.

 

Next cruise will probably be the Alaskan trip we had to cancel this year, although NYC is so close now we may be able to squeeze in a qucik cruise to nowhere.