WARNING!!! This is a 'sour grapes" post. "Special Rates" Those professions left out.

[Woobstr112G]

[quote name='hcat']I agree---everyone is valuable but those who put their lives on the line for us every day deserve some extra benefits in the form of a break on R & R ! ! Bless Them and I support the cruise line giving them the discount....!!![/QUOTE]

Thank You.....:):):)

Bob

[LoveSt.Thomas]

[quote name='Gonzo70']Well said. :)[/quote]


I have to agree.. My husband is a police officer, and I feel it's only right to offer them special rates, as they do risk their lives every day, and unfortunately some don't come home to their families, so the ones that do, should spend a little less.. That's how I see that.

Now teachers, nurses, and everyone else in the medical field are all well deserving, but they just don't risk their lives like military personnel, police, and fire do. None the less all are important to our society.

[hat776]

There are hero's in all professions - for example when there is an earthquake/flood/ terroist attack many teachers risk their lives to protect their pupils, hospital staff with the patients, residents digging with bare hands, drivers to transport injured etc etc
However, when someone joins the military, police, fire fighters he knows that he is putting his life in danger.
When I see a news item of the youngsters setting off to war, or see coffins draped in a flag, or see fire fighters going in to a blazing house, or police facing armed and dangerous men and then see a group of teachers, hospital workers my feelings are very different.
Once it's impossible to reward individal hero's then at least reward all those who are risking their lives for us.
On NCL's Epic recent launch in NY , the military and their families were invited for the fireworks display.
Does anyone think they should have invited teachers, doctors, care givers instead ?

[Bobblsc]

Now let's see. If the cruise lines really wanted to honor military, police, and firefighters, they would offer the discounts for each and every cruise. Yet they do not.

If a cruise lacks a bit toward filling, or projected filling, the lines can offer these discounts to military, police, and firefighters with assurance that there will be no criticism for so doing. To expand these discounts to several other categories of people important to our economy and society would be complicated and cumbersome.

Am I being cynical here? Perhaps so. However I served in the military in Korea during active hostilities in that war. But, as far as I know, no one ever pointed a weapon at me. Yet I can get the same discount as those troops who served 20 miles north on the front lines and were at mortal risk every day.

I recall only one occasion when I was able to use a military discount. I dutifully carried a copy of my discharge paper to show at check-in, but it was never asked for. I think I even offered it to the check-in clerk.

So, like so many other marketing tools, these discounts are for the purpose of increasing cruise passenger numbers.

I do not claim that this type activity is unethical. I do, however, question the effectiveness of this activity. Many corporations in addition to cruise lines engage in similar discount activities. They may, or may not, increase profits.

Bob :cool:
Retired prof of business, for what that is worth :rolleyes:

[Bobblsc]

Now let's see. If the cruise lines really wanted to honor military, police, and firefighters, they would offer the discounts for each and every cruise. Yet they do not.

If a cruise lacks a bit toward filling, or projected filling, the lines can offer these discounts to military, police, and firefighters with assurance that there will be no criticism for so doing. To expand these discounts to several other categories of people important to our economy and society would be complicated and cumbersome.

Am I being cynical here? Perhaps so. However I served in the military in Korea during active hostilities in that war. But, as far as I know, no one ever pointed a weapon at me. Yet I can get the same discount as those troops who served 20 miles north on the front lines and were at mortal risk every day.

I recall only one occasion when I was able to use a military discount. I dutifully carried a copy of my discharge paper to show at check-in, but it was never asked for. I think I even offered it to the check-in clerk.

So, like so many other marketing tools, these discounts are for the purpose of increasing cruise passenger numbers.

I do not claim that this type activity is unethical. I do, however, question the effectiveness of this activity. Many corporations in addition to cruise lines engage in similar discount activities. They may, or may not, increase profits.

Bob :cool:
Retired prof of business, for what that i:rolleyes:s worth

[Bobblsc]

Now let's see. If the cruise lines really wanted to honor military, police, and firefighters, they would offer the discounts for each and every cruise. Yet they do not.

If a cruise lacks a bit toward filling, or projected filling, the lines can offer these discounts to military, police, and firefighters with assurance that there will be no criticism for so doing. To expand these discounts to several other categories of people important to our economy and society would be complicated and cumbersome.

Am I being cynical here? Perhaps so. However I served in the military in Korea during active hostilities in that war. But, as far as I know, no one ever pointed a weapon at me. Yet I can get the same discount as those troops who served 20 miles north on the front lines and were at mortal risk every day.

I recall only one occasion when I was able to use a military discount. I dutifully carried a copy of my discharge paper to show at check-in, but it was never asked for. I think I even offered it to the check-in clerk.

So, like so many other marketing tools, these discounts are for the purpose of increasing cruise passenger numbers.

I do not claim that this type activity is unethical. I do, however, question the effectiveness of this activity. Many corporations in addition to cruise lines engage in similar discount activities. They may, or may not, increase profits.

Bob :cool:
Retired prof of business, for what that i:rolleyes:s worth

[susiej4]

[quote name='dcguy9']Well, one theory is that military, fire and police put their lives on the line every day. Of course, teachers, nurses and care givers are critical to our society, they do not risk life every day.[/quote]

I beg to differ. I'm a teacher in Littleton, Colorado. If you're not familiar with some of our school incidents including one just last year you might think differently.

[Retty2Go]

[quote name='susiej4']I beg to differ. I'm a teacher in Littleton, Colorado. If you're not familiar with some of our school incidents including one just last year you might think differently.[/QUOTE]

Exactly. Those other discounts make other people feel warm, fuzzy, and patriotic. Yet, if you read the headlines of this morning's NY Times, you will see that many innocent civilians put their lives on the line in police encounters.

[librarylady19]

[quote name='Muushka']What about medical technologists and x-ray techs? :confused:

Not an actual question, just wondering why nurses are always elevated above all other health care personnel. ;)

Personally I have no problem seeing the military, police and fire get special rates.
I think that putting your life on the line deserves special privileges.[/quote]

Well said. Many "professions" provide help but few but their life on the line on a daily basis and I applaud any recognition and discounts they are afforded.
If discounts are extended to those that help others (as the OP suggested) why stop at teachers....why are we excluding librarians, veterinarians, nannies, heck even accountants ! I have no problem with Celebrity's policy whatsoever.

[Viesczy]

Putting in a different POV but in support of the OP...

Not everyone in the military is truly in harms way. For every body that was in country with me there were a staggering # of those who were farther from danger than a general.

Your supply clerk in Duluth GA, while in the military & helping the cause, is not in any danger. Or the drone drivers, they're helping out the ground pounders and forward operators, but those drivers are pretty far removed from any danger, except the dangers boredom.

Or my brother, he was in communications (mostly because he had no drive, couldn't shoot, and was a booze hound) and he ran wiring, why's he get any discount when his only sacrifice was getting out of bed? Really?

I guess that sounds like sour grapes too, but not all truly sacrificed.

[PartyAllDaTyme]

[quote name='Gonzo70']I personally do not see the military/fire/police discounts as a business decision by the cruise lines to boost sales/revenues. I see it as the cruise lines providing a reward for people in those professions. Sure, they are not going to offer it on a cruise that is selling well far out (as the cruise lines are in the business to make money), but on the occasions they offer it I do not think it is a scheme to make money, but a reward. In business many "perks" are meant to boost the bottom line, but this is certainly not always the case. Many buisnesses contribtue significant money to charity and they do not do this increase revenue; they generally do it because the people making the decisions want to contribute to the causes to which they donate. I believe that the military/fire/police discounts are a decision by the cruise line to reward people in these fields - and I fully support the cruise lines doing this.[/quote]

This reassures me. I have no data on how often they offer the mil discount. It seemed to me, from what I gathered from readng these boards, that it's not all that often, and if so, why not? It should be offered any time there's a general price drop, as this would be evidence that the cruise line (X or any other) can afford to do so. I'd be willing to live with a price drop of only $50 instead of $100 if it meant that they were offering a mil discount of $50, for example.

If truly offered for charitible reasons, I think it's proper to draw the line at those who put their life at risk for the protection of others. Of course, I'll suggest to DW that she get her lifeguard certification back, since I think that would qualify:cool::D!

[PartyAllDaTyme]

We can go back and forth all week on who is deserving and who puts their life at risk. Loggers, farmers, truckers, convenience store clerks. May as well include those hard-working people in the adult film industry, risking HIV infection and male erectile dysfunction drug overdoses (forum wouldn't let be use the V word) to bring us all clean, wholesome entertainment. (Do I really need to even use the tongue-in-cheek smiley?)

The conclusion that I'm drawing is that the military/fire/police discount is a nice gesture by the Celebrity to honor those people, but it's also somewhat of a marketing device to make us all feel a bit warm and fuzzy that they offer this at all. It's sexy (not to be confused with the general topic of my first paragraph) to honor these folks, not so much teachers and nurses.

Larry, thanks for giving us all something to think about!

LOL! Pirates!

[A Sixth?]

[quote name='PartyAllDaTyme'].......
Larry, thanks for giving us all something to think about!

LOL! Pirates![/quote]

:D:D:rolleyes:

[IMG]http://i30.tinypic.com/2qxuq6a.jpg[/IMG]

[Orator]

Just count how many teachers have responded to this thread and you'll see why the cruise lines try to lure them. It's business folks, just business. Remember RCL,the parent company, is publicly owned. One of their major responsibilities is to enhance share holder value. They do this by filling cabins and selling products and services once they get you on board. If they need to discount to fill a ship, they discount. If they can get some good will, that's a bonus. Gamble enough and you'll be offered free cruises, just pay the taxes and port charges, so that you can continue to make contributions to their casino operations. Free enterprise at work.

[Snorkel2Much]

[FONT=Franklin Gothic Medium][SIZE=4][COLOR=seagreen] "When everyone's super, no one will be" - Syndrome[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[PartyAllDaTyme]

[quote name='A Sixth?']:D:D:rolleyes:

[IMG]http://i30.tinypic.com/2qxuq6a.jpg[/IMG][/quote]

Not that there's anything wrong with that...

[MYMOTHERSCHILD]

[quote name='A Sixth?']I am ducking already because I can hear the thunder on the horizon :o but here I go.

.......

[I]Now I appreciate the guys and girls in the military and fire and police very much and please don't question that, but what about teachers, nurses and care givers. Are they not deserving now and then too?[/I]

[I]I did warn everyone that this is a "Sour Grapes" thread... but why are some of the professions always left out of 'special rates"?[/quote][/I]

I've been happy to accept senior discounts for 20 years while my kids, with kids of their own to support, have had to pay more than I for movies and fares of all kinds. So what happens? Grandma pitches in to balance the check book!

MMC

[yogimax]

Probably everyone here could make a point for their occupation being "special" and included.

My son is law is FDNY and recently came home after unsuccessfully trying to rescue a small child from a burning house in Queens. The mental and psychological distress was more more than the physical.

I, for one, support the discounts for military, fire and police. There should be more of them!

[Lou33]

[quote name='A Sixth?'] but what about teachers, nurses and care givers. Are they not deserving now and then too?[/QUOTE]

Why stop there? What about mail carriers, plumbers, and janitors? What would our world be like without them?

If you happen to be a teacher or a nurse then hopefully you chose that career because you wanted a fullfilling career where you can directly help our society.

But on the other hand, if you really want discounted cruises, you can always enlist...

[FinelyCruising]

[quote name='susiej4']I beg to differ. I'm a teacher in Littleton, Colorado. If you're not familiar with some of our school incidents including one just last year you might think differently.[/QUOTE]

There are school incidents that are more day to day in troubled cities or inner cities then ever get noticed. The subliminal shock is that the locations, like Littleton with its demographic are the locations where violence is not 'expected' or the norm.

[FinelyCruising]

Why stop there? What about mail carriers, plumbers, and janitors? What would our world be like without them?

 

If you happen to be a teacher or a nurse then hopefully you chose that career because you wanted a fullfilling career where you can directly help our society.

 

But on the other hand, if you really want discounted cruises, you can always enlist...

 

That's what the sour grapes is all about...be with your family and friends every day but those who are not because they are away from them, even if serving chow in a tent and not on the front line....they are not worthy enough for this benefit and have to be trumped.:o

[Ship's Wake]

Now let's see. If the cruise lines really wanted to honor military, police, and firefighters, they would offer the discounts for each and every cruise. Yet they do not.

 

If a cruise lacks a bit toward filling, or projected filling, the lines can offer these discounts to military, police, and firefighters with assurance that there will be no criticism for so doing.

 

Bingo....we have the winning answer. Typically these "restricted category" discounts come out closer to the departure date. If a particular cruise is still has cabins unsold, they may offer a strategic discount in the form of a rate low enough to entice the targeted group to book in order to top off the remaining cabins on the ship.

 

If they offer the new lower rate to everyone, they will inevitably upset some customers who find out about a new lower rate.

 

 

It may also be a question of the ability to validate. Military, fire and police all need to carry valid ID (military card, badge or ID) at the time of boarding to prove they're legitimately entitled to the lower rate. It may be tougher to do that with other professions. What's a doctor supposed to do? Take his diploma? Maybe these other professions I mentioned do have IDs they carry that help identify them; I don't know.

 

 

Exactly. This is one of the main reasons for why certain professions are targeted. They have ids that are easy to validate for eligibility.

 

Party:

 

The issue of discounts really started publicly after 9/11. There was a greater appreciation in many ways for Police, Fire and Military after 9/11.

 

The cruise lines needed a way to fill up cabins right after 9/11, as many potential cruisers were afraid or uncertain about taking a cruise. Carnival was the first cruise line to target military/police/firefighters for these restricted discounts. I remember them putting out tons of pr on how they were supporting the troops and first responders. Other cruise lines soon followed their lead. Some, like HAL, offered teachers discounts as well as military/police/firefighter discounts. Only Costa and MSC have follwed HAL's lead with teacher's discounts.

 

It is a win/win for the cruise lines. They get the goodwill from doing the right thing while at the same time finding a way to top off their ships.

 

A poster mentioned union discounts. NCL offers these on select sailings closer to departure date. These came out when NCL was lobbying Congress and trying to get the Jones Act waived for Hawaii cruises they wanted to operate under their NCL America brand.

 

In reality, these discounts are no different than regional rate discounts or senior discounts that are offered when close in departures still have cabins unsold.

 

Get them onboard anyway they can so that they can make their money through onboard spending.

 

I highly recommend Bob Dickinson's book "Selling the Sea" (he was the former ceo of Carnival and was instrumental in making the cruise industry whatn it is today) for excellent insight on the different ways cruise lines price and sell their cabins in order to sail at full capacity.

[bplazo]

They should just have one rate straight accross the board and the only discounts should be 3rd and 4th rate. However, if they offer a discount I would not say no. I am so excited dh turns 55 next month.

[S.S. Cruisers]

Just for kicks and giggles, I googled "cruise discounts for teachers". I didn't even get teachers typed out and it came up. Among other discounts were AAA, AARP, discounts for families, etc. There were numerous agencies supplying these discounts.

[C 2 C]

It's bad enough that X no longer allows us to double dip to get an OBC for booking on board as well as the stockholder's credit. I would like to get a discount for each of:

Occupation

Residency rates

having reached beyond the magic age of 55...

booking on board... and of course..

owning RCL stock... (oops I forgot I sold my stock when I couldn't double dip);):cool: