peterandjoann

Notice how everyone always wants another level that is easily attainable by them. OP says he has 45 cruises so they set the bar at 50. If you had 20 you'd ask for a level at 25. If you had 5,000 cruise days you'd set the bar at 5,001. And so on and so forth.

 

Give it a rest. Most travel companies do not give more when changing programs benefits they take benefits away. Ask Hilton member about the 25% devaluation in points back in 2013. Ask Southwest Rapid Rewards members about the 14% devaluation of points back in 2014. Ask CCL and RCI.

 

You never see red card holders asking to make new levels now do you. Mom was wrong, you're not special.

Wow, I never expected so many negative responses to a light hearted, fun suggestion! And, some of the responses are actually "mean-spirited", I guess that's why this site is called Cruise Critic...emphasis on Critic, which most seem to be.

Is it true that when the dust settles, the older long-time cruisers are historically the least profitable?

Well, I'm not sure of that, on my last cruise I dropped 4 grand in the casino!!! Stupid, yes, but kinda shoots down your observation

Sorry, but I do not think it should be based on number of cruises. With the number of short cruises available, any new level should be based on number of days aboard. I would think the cutoff for any new level should be 500 or more days.

 

By way of full disclosure, I have 33 cruises and 555 days.

I have no problem with days instead of cruises and I agree with you on the number of short cruises that Princess now offers.

I proposed additional diamonds past the first one....so not sure what you mean by wanting another level?

I'd be interested in knowing if there are any Princess Cruisers out there that agree with what I have proposed to Princess. The following is what I sent them a few months ago. And, if you agree with my proposal, forward it onto them showing your support.

To Captain’s Circle

My wife and I have been sailing with Princess, and only Princess, since 1995; and, have now completed forty-five cruises on seventeen different Princess ships. We thoroughly enjoy everything about your line, from the ships, to the food, to the entertainment, and most importantly, the staff and crew. We are at the “Elite” level of the Captain’s Circle, and enjoy and appreciate the “rewards” and recognition that we receive from Princess.

However, as we continue to cruise with Princess we wonder what comes after “Elite”. With cruising becoming more and more accessible to travellers, more and more “cruisers” will achieve this level in the Captain Circle. We, of course, are not looking for more “rewards”, but do really appreciate the recognition our “Elite” status gives us among your crew.

What we would like to propose is that an additional level be added to recognize those passengers who have sailed well beyond the 16+ cruises of the “Elite” level. In concert with the 50th anniversary of Princess Cruise Lines, we propose a “Diamond Elite” level at 50+ cruises. A total of fifty cruises is a significant achievement, and a “Diamond Elite” status would further acknowledge and enthusiastically recognize those passengers who continue to sail with Princess. It would identify the ultimate level of continued loyalty over many years and cruises. Certainly maintain the impressive black “Elite” cruise card with its silver writing; but, add a bright diamond, and the “Diamond Elite” designation, to readily identify your most loyal passengers. The “Diamond” would correspond to the precious metals and gemstone concept presented with the Gold, Ruby and Platinum levels while enhancing the “Elite” status. And, to encourage and recognize passengers who have sailed on even more cruises with Princess, and to address the “what comes next” question, the Diamond elite card could have one diamond for fifty cruises, 2 diamonds for fifty-five cruises, 3 diamonds for sixty cruises, etc.

And, if you did want to add a few perks to your long list of rewards, a one-time per cruise waiver of a speciality restaurant cover charge accompanied by a complementary bottle of wine would be very nice touch.

Peter and Jo Ann Hall