Do you get dirty looks ? Platinum

[OHS81]

I'll take teenage boys over teenage girls any day!

 

LOL - well, the family we're going with, are getting an inside room across the hall for their 2 girls and one boy....GOODNESS...I wish them peace & happiness :)

[MonaCD]

Well here's a good story for you, I probably shouldn't tell it and it would have garnered us a few nasty stares if anyone knew the real story about why we got to go to the head of the line.

 

My partner B is a Naval Officer and figured he spent enough time on a ship, he didn't have to vacation on one. But I kept talking up how different it would be to the point where he began to consider it. Then friends I had made on a previous cruise and that we had dinner with over Christmas, were going to cancel the cabin they'd booked next to theirs for their sons on an April sailing of the Glory. Perfect opportunity presented itself and I caught him at a weak moment and he agreed we would go on the cruise!

 

Well our friends have over 30 cruises with Carnival and well past platinum as was one of their sons who was booked in the cabin we took over. They were able to switch the booking into our names, no problem.

 

Imagine my delight when I printed off the e-docs to read that we were to proceed to VIP check-in and we had VIP luggage tags. This was going to be my fourth cruise, B's first. I figured because our friends had Platinum status and had originally booked the cabin, Carnival didn't change that. It worked out well as then we could board with our friends.

 

On our flight down from Montreal to Orlando we were upgraded to business class! First time in many hundreds of flights this happend to me but B flies alot for work and has Elite status with the airline so I figured that's what got us the upgrade.

 

So we arrive at the port to check in and proceed with our friends to the VIP check-in, no problem. I don't know if anyone stared us down, I really wasn't paying attention, I was just so excited to be cruising again!

 

Well we go to get our S&S cards and I get my gold card as expected but B pulls out of the envelope, not the red, white and blue card of a first time cruiser but a very pretty platinum card! Did we tell them they made a mistake, no way! We enjoyed every perk that came our way. Though, I was a little put out that he got the platinum card and not me. Because, you know, this is never going to happen again, well at least not until we have 10 cruises. We must have been living right that month!

 

I don't know if B got stares or comments when he went to the Concierge desk to get his card replaced everyday, until he realized it was demagnetizing because he was keeping the card in the same pocket as his camera in it's case with the magnetic clasp.

 

Only problem is, now we're going to have to spring for a suite when we cruise, we've been spoiled!

[LETS PARTY]

Actually in our case, thats not true at all... We go on cruises because we love them but more so, Carnival because of a couple extra perks, i.e, free laundry service, priority boarding and especially when travelling with older folks (my parents) knowing that you will get the dining time you want (and need).

I'm just saying the perks aren't so much that they should keep ones from experiencing other lines......free laundry, does one really need it on a 7 day cruise....longer cruises yes, but even if you have to pay for it ,its not that much....if you no when to check-in, you can almost always get it done in 15-30 min......I've never had a problem getting the dinning time I want ......... you can go to a nice restaurant, great food, but is it reason not to try another...of course not....what do they say "veriety is the spice of life"....... we see variety in every thing ....what if there were only poodle dogs, only black cats, or the only color was green, and look how different people :eek: ........I'm not knocking carnival, I'm going on my first carnival cruise in 5 yrs in Nov & I'm platinum....the best thing is we all the free will to makeup are own minds:)

Rob

If we growup only eating McDonld hamburgers........we might be missing something

[OHS81]

Only problem is, now we're going to have to spring for a suite when we cruise, we've been spoiled!

 

Colleen, you had a great time, and got to experience being "spoiled"...life is short, enjoy every minute and if situattions for your future cruises give you the opportunity, go ahead and plan to spoil yourselves from now on :)

[SL HomeschoolMom]

We're not platinum on Carnival, but my husband has top level frequent flier status, also with 2 major hotel chains. We were just in Vegas yesterday, and the people in the hour long checkin/out line at PH did not look impressed at us being able to walk right up to special line...I was glad that the line was 20 feet away :) We got looks when we bypassed the buffet line too.

 

My hubby says the worst is when people are lined up out of the customs hall in the airport arrivals area, and he has to get by them to the Nexus line (or rather, lack of line)

 

No...our boys will not be in an inside room across the hall. My boys are well behaved, but hormones are not! :eek: ) :)

Ours wanted the inside cabin so they could sleep in easier. I'm much more worried about them being on the other side of the continent at camp with their girlfriend(s) right now, then in a cabin with me across the hall :)

[CWcruisers]

Lets Party-to make the most of the free laundry on a 7 day cruise, you pack your clothes dirty and take them home clean. I usually send out laundry 3 times in 7 days. And why not, I have paid a lot for that laundry!

[OHS81]

Ours wanted the inside cabin so they could sleep in easier. I'm much more worried about them being on the other side of the continent at camp with their girlfriend(s) right now, then in a cabin with me across the hall :)

 

Oh hi Shari, I would have to agree with you on that one :)

[REDZONE]

I will be platinum on my next cruise and I can see the headlines now," Platinum Cruiser body slams other passengers during information desk rampage". But seriously, do people act like that dirty looks and stuff ? Do they not know what Platinum means?

[NotAPirate]

Look, we don't have to offer apologies, we paid big bucks to get the recognition and we deserve to enjoy it.

 

DH and I have a goal of being Platinum or above on all cruise lines. We have arrived on Carnival, have one more to go on Princess (booked for 3/09), one more to go on RCI (booked for 9/09) and two more to go on NCL (no future bookings). We'll start working on HAL in about another 10 years.

 

Now doesn't that sound like fun?

You ROCK! What a goal to have! Ummm... would you mind adopting me? :D

 

I will be platinum on my next cruise and I can see the headlines now," Platinum Cruiser body slams other passengers during information desk rampage". But seriously, do people act like that dirty looks and stuff ? Do they not know what Platinum means?

That's funny, Redzone. And by the comments so far, I don't think many people know about the Platinum status. I can understand the issues that might crop up, the feelings of "Why are THEY so special?!," but as others have said you've paid for that status over 10+ cruises. Reciprocal loyalty is a good thing, yes?

[glrounds]

Someone stated that San Diego has a Lounge, we usually walk right onboard to even get to use it. Will let you know in 94 days :D Fred

 

Maybe by today Carnival has a lounge in SD, but a year and a half ago they didn't. Just seating at the very front of the room facing the seated non-platinums. First they boarded the wedding parties, then the handicapped, and then called for the PLATINUMS. It really was nice. :)

 

I must also add, I never apologize for PLATINUM. I've been a loyal Carnival cruiser (look below at my webshots) and I do definitely appreciate Carnival recognizing that fact. Cutting the line to the Maitre'D is a bit much, though. :rolleyes:

[candigirl41]

I was in San Diego last October and there was no vip lounge. That being said, as soon as we got our sail and sign cards they were announcing vip embarkation. I think it was about 11:15.

 

Candi

[Kurbanfan]

I was in San Diego last October and there was no vip lounge. That being said, as soon as we got our sail and sign cards they were announcing vip embarkation. I think it was about 11:15.

 

Candi

 

San Diego port was my platinum cruise. We got there around 1:00 and there was absolutely no one in the terminal. It was kinda erie. We walked right up to the desk and then right onto the ship. Boy was I disappointed:cool:

So much for VIP:rolleyes: :p

[Leo Jay]

This all seems kind of silly -- why not clearly communicate policy, designate specific areas, lines, etc? If someone's waiting in line and someone else cuts in front of them without explanation, of course, they're going to be annoyed.

 

What happens when 5 platinums are waiting in line to see the maitre d', and another platinum jumps to the front of the line assuming that they're all 'commoners'? Fistfight?

 

:D

[glrounds]

This all seems kind of silly -- why not clearly communicate policy, designate specific areas, lines, etc? If someone's waiting in line and someone else cuts in front of them without explanation, of course, they're going to be annoyed.

 

What happens when 5 platinums are waiting in line to see the maitre d', and another platinum jumps to the front of the line assuming that they're all 'commoners'? Fistfight?

 

:D

 

I agree, it would be nice if the CD let the pax know about the PLATINUM cruisers. Would probably save a lot of misunderstandings.:)

At the purser's desk there is a clearly delineated (Conceirge) line for PLATINUM and "those other people we tolerate" (just kidding). :D Kind of like at a bank where there is a line for regular customers and business customers.

The only place I can think of where there would be "cutting" the line is at the Maitre'D's station and I also agree that is kind of "tacky" IMHO.

[CruizinMom2c]

I am not platium..but will be half way there after our cruise in feb. I have never given any platium members dirty looks...I always look out of curiosity to see what type of perks they get....since I know that one day that will be us.

 

 

Now I definitely have seen others giving bad looks...and its kind of amuzing to see how angry some people get thinking that they are "cutting" in line or something. Obviously if an attendant is escorting them, then they are not cutting in line....

[picklebongo]

I am close to being platinum but truly this isn't a big deal in my view. I would not send my laundry out on a seven day cruise nor would I ever get in front of someone who is waiting to change their dining time. It's a nice perk for those that would do this though, sending out the laundry. I think it is incredibly rude and just because one is guaranteed seating, it doesn't mean you can jump ahead to get it. When you get to the head of the line, ask for your time and if adjustments need to be made, well that's Carnival's issue, not yours, but wait your time like everybody else. I'm surprised at the number of people who seem to want to lord this over everybody as if it is something truly special or prized,being platinum, no biggie and this isn't being said because I'm not platinum.

[MrPete]

I'm surprised at the number of people who seem to want to lord this over everybody as if it is something truly special or prized,being platinum, no biggie and this isn't being said because I'm not platinum.

 

What do you do at the ten or less line at the market that is there specifically for you when you have ten or less? Not use it because it would be considered rude? Use it if you have 11 items?

[G'ma]

I am close to being platinum but truly this isn't a big deal in my view. I would not send my laundry out on a seven day cruise nor would I ever get in front of someone who is waiting to change their dining time. It's a nice perk for those that would do this though, sending out the laundry. I think it is incredibly rude and just because one is guaranteed seating, it doesn't mean you can jump ahead to get it. When you get to the head of the line, ask for your time and if adjustments need to be made, well that's Carnival's issue, not yours, but wait your time like everybody else. I'm surprised at the number of people who seem to want to lord this over everybody as if it is something truly special or prized,being platinum, no biggie and this isn't being said because I'm not platinum.

 

The perks that come with being Platinum are EARNED through loyalty. Very few, if any, "lord" it over anyone else. However, I'll take advantage of priority checkin and boarding, priority on the tenders and a dedicated Concierge desk anytime. It's no different from airline frequent flyer programs or hotel loyalty programs.

 

It is special, it has been bought and paid for. Frankly, I don't see a problem here at all.

[terri910]

What do you do at the ten or less line at the market that is there specifically for you when you have ten or less? Not use it because it would be considered rude? Use it if you have 11 items?

...this reminds me of a part of one of Gallagher's old skits. Telling the guy in the 10-items-or-less aisle to get out, pointing to the carton of eggs in his basket.

 

"12 items!"

[Leo Jay]

I agree, it would be nice if the CD let the pax know about the PLATINUM cruisers. Would probably save a lot of misunderstandings.:)

At the purser's desk there is a clearly delineated (Conceirge) line for PLATINUM and "those other people we tolerate" (just kidding). :D Kind of like at a bank where there is a line for regular customers and business customers.

The only place I can think of where there would be "cutting" the line is at the Maitre'D's station and I also agree that is kind of "tacky" IMHO.

 

As a "tolerated" commoner, I don't think other passengers generally resent it or even care at all; any more than they'd resent First Class passengers boarding an aircraft first and getting free booze. I'd be willing to be that 99.9% of the time, people who seem to "resent" the perks only resent the unexplained line-cutting and other unexplained advantages being taken by certain passengers. Which, frankly, is only reasonable. It's only because I frequent this board that I even know what 'Platinum' is.

:)

[glrounds]

As a "tolerated" commoner, I don't think other passengers generally resent it or even care at all; any more than they'd resent First Class passengers boarding an aircraft first and getting free booze. I'd be willing to be that 99.9% of the time, people who seem to "resent" the perks only resent the unexplained line-cutting and other unexplained advantages being taken by certain passengers. Which, frankly, is only reasonable. It's only because I frequent this board that I even know what 'Platinum' is.

:)

 

Yes, I think all the "looks" come from people who AREN'T INFORMED about PLATINUM. I can't remember ever getting them, however. But I don't do excursions, usually go off the ship in ports after the "masses" chompin' at the bit have left the ship, seldom have a reason to go to the purser, seldom change my table location (usually seated with other singles), don't gamble on cruise ships. (although since reading about the perks, may now "cash" in my FREEBIES in the casino):)

[compman9]

If Platinum is earned, and I am still some way from it yet, I will take full advantage of every perk that comes my way. I will also be courteous and polite to the riff-raff that have not yet earned my privileged status. LOL.

 

Having said that, I do tend to get a bit irritated by such attitudes on flights. Especially business class. Not with the passengers, but the staff of the airlines that treat these customers better than the cattle in coach class. My problem is simple - the vast majority have not paid for those flights themselves: Most being paid for by their companies. The airline staff treat coach passengers worse, even though the majority would have paid for thier ticket themselves.

 

Fortunately you don't get such nonsense on a cruise ship - most people pay for their own vacations. If you get to the front of a line for sailing regularly with that cruise line, good luck to ya.

[MrPete]

...this reminds me of a part of one of Gallagher's old skits. Telling the guy in the 10-items-or-less aisle to get out, pointing to the carton of eggs in his basket.

 

"12 items!"

 

LOL.

Now that you mention it, I remember an old Herman strip where a really ugly checker on the express lane lifted a box to Herman stating “There’s more than 12 corn flakes in here”.

[CWcruisers]

According to my TA who sits on the advisory board from Carnival and Princess, approximately 90% of Carnival ships sail with first time cruisers. The other 10% are repeat passengers and usually 1% or less of that are Platinum. That's why people are not aware of what is going on.

 

As for the perks, bought and paid for baby! Why would I go home with a suitcase full of dirty clothes if I don't have to. I'm working my way up on Princess because they do free laundry (pressing service included) and free dry cleaning!

[DarthGrady]

According to my TA who sits on the advisory board from Carnival and Princess, approximately 90% of Carnival ships sail with first time cruisers. The other 10% are repeat passengers and usually 1% or less of that are Platinum. That's why people are not aware of what is going on.

 

As for the perks, bought and paid for baby! Why would I go home with a suitcase full of dirty clothes if I don't have to. I'm working my way up on Princess because they do free laundry (pressing service included) and free dry cleaning!

 

:confused: At all the past guest parties I have been to, the CD has said that the cruise has about 50% new guests.