My wife and I will turn Diamond on our next Carnival cruise. We have been on a couple lately (Breeze in March and Dream in April and May). The ships are definitely understaffed. We saw 1/2 hour wait in deli or coffee bar lines, slow service in restaurants, and minimal onboard activities.
The Platinum/Diamond parties used to be very nice (sliders, other snacks, and plenty of drinks). Not lately." On the Breeze, the party was at 11am (drink time?), due to staffing.
Also due to staffing issues (supposedly at Carnival home office), we have been trying unsuccessfully for months to get our benefit for completing 25 cruises. It used to mean 25% off an upcoming cruise. They have now changed that to 25% in onboard credits (OBC). So, on a $4,000 Journeys Cruise, would you rather have $1,000 off, or $1,000 in use it or lose it credits?
Also noticeable on these cruises was the high number of blue and red badges. Carnival is definitely catering to the newer cruisers, as they are spending tons of money onboard. This and many of the reductions are all feeding the bottom line. Obviously, they are not as concerned about tried and true loyalty (Diamond and Platinum) as they used to be.
So, no more lounge for preboarding, no more special Diamond meeting, minimal (if any) Platinum/Diamond parties, hard time getting benefits. The next thing they will say is no more free laundry. My be time to rethink that RV, even with high gas prices.