Confused about Platinum?

[luvofthecruise]

Can someone tell me if I'm missing something about being Platinum? I have been researching it and so far it seems you get VIP boarding and a pen and/or a pin? What am I missing? I don't know what there is to be excited about? Please no flaming I just want to know if I missed some info.

[KenMo]

From Carnival's FAQs:

 

What are the benefits of being a Platinum guest?

Past Guest Recognition Program - Platinum Guest Level Benefits

Available exclusively to Platinum Guest cardholders who have sailed aboard the Fun Ships ten times or more, Carnival’s Past Guest Recognition Program benefits are designed to recognize and reward those longtime Carnival guests for their loyalty over the years. These privileges and benefits will be offered on the tenth cruise.

The Platinum Guests will receive a special welcome aboard letter from Carnival President and CEO, Gerry Cahill detailing the exclusive amenities and privileges available during their cruise:

Priority Embarkation: Upon arriving at the cruise terminal, the guest must ask for VIP Check-In, in ports where VIP Check-In is normally offered.

Personal Guest Service Staff: An exclusive, fully staffed Platinum Desk for personal service has been established at the Guest Services Desk. In addition, a dedicated phone line is available from 8:00am-8:00pm.

Personalized Stationery: Special stationery personalized with the guests’ name will be delivered to the stateroom prior to embarkation.

Canapés: Canapés will be delivered to the stateroom one evening via room service.

Note: For cruises 5 days or longer only

Petit Fours: Petit Fours will be delivered to the stateroom one evening via room service.

Carnival Logo Item: A special Carnival giveaway will be delivered to the stateroom.

Complimentary Entry Fee into Blackjack or Slot Tournament: Past Guest Recognition Program: The Platinum Guest (18 years or older) will contact the Casino Cashier Cage for his/her complimentary ticket.

Complimentary Wash and Fold Laundry Service: Complimentary unlimited wash and fold laundry service.

Guaranteed Dining Assignments: Guests may change their assigned dining time.

Note: This is for the Platinum guest and immediate family, maximum of two staterooms.

Guaranteed Steakhouse Reservations: Guests may get confirmed reservations for the Steakhouse.

Priority Spa Carnival Reservations and Complimentary Treatment Upgrade: Guests will be encouraged to book early to be assured of their requested appointment selection.

Priority Tender Boarding: In ports where the ship will tender, guests not on a shore excursion will proceed to the Platinum Desk and be escorted to the appropriate gangway for the next available tender.

Priority Debarkation: Guests will receive a debarkation letter offering a choice of how they would prefer to disembark the ship. They will be given the choice of Self Assist (where offered) or regular debarkation; for regular debarkation, the guest will receive Carnival Platinum Luggage tags.

[Elaine515]

Can someone tell me if I'm missing something about being Platinum? I have been researching it and so far it seems you get VIP boarding and a pen and/or a pin? What am I missing? I don't know what there is to be excited about? Please no flaming I just want to know if I missed some info.

 

 

 

Yes, you get to board the ship first, and in most ports, there is a separate VIP room for check-in, no waiting on lines. The gifts are nice, no big deal... You are guaranteed the dining time that you want without having to worry about being waitlisted, there is a separate line for us at Guest Services, but I think the best thing about being Platinum is the free laundry service they offer...

 

Otherwise, it just means that we have cruised more often than others... But, I will say, being one of the first to board a ship is exciting...

[*Mach*]

You can see the list of perks in the second post above. VIP embark is good... get on the ship early and start the fun! The little things... stationary, petite fours and such are nice but what I enjoy most is the free laundry (get to pack less!) and the Concierge Club line at Guest Services. I'm sure you've seen how long the lines at Guest Services can get... Platinums get to just walk right up the desk and get things done!

We've been told that at the beginning of next year the program is being revised... we've been being told that for three years so I'm not holding my breath. What we've got right now is fine with me!

:D

[okwriter]

I think I've asked before but now I don't remember the answer...isn't there a slight discount on one cruise?

[PA Dutchman]

Yes, being one of the first to board a ship 10 min before everybody else is really exciting.

[golfadj]

I think I've asked before but now I don't remember the answer...isn't there a slight discount on one cruise?

 

No discount platinums pay the same.

 

Love the laundry though, we pack half of what we used to.

[*Mach*]

I think I've asked before but now I don't remember the answer...isn't there a slight discount on one cruise?

 

 

Nope... not until you reach Milestone... 25 Carnival cruises. You get 25% of the cost of the cruise as OBC!

:D

[okwriter]

Ah...Milestone! Thank you!

 

Menopause has been like using the delete key on my brain... :(

[LisaH]

We will be first time Carnival cruisers next year. We did book an Ocean Suite though and I am wondering if we get any perks other than priority embarkation?

 

Just wondering...thanks.

[luvofthecruise]

Thank you everyone for your responses. That's what I was looking for. :D

[*Mach*]

We will be first time Carnival cruisers next year. We did book an Ocean Suite though and I am wondering if we get any perks other than priority embarkation?

 

Just wondering...thanks.

 

 

Priority embark and debark, Lisa... that's about it...

:)

[LisaH]

Priority embark and debark, Lisa... that's about it...

:)

 

Thanks! :)

[iluvdoxies]

We will be first time Carnival cruisers next year. We did book an Ocean Suite though and I am wondering if we get any perks other than priority embarkation?

 

Just wondering...thanks.

 

Nope, sorry.

[near the beach]

I have seen the Platinum Guest line at the Guest Services desk. From my experience there has not been a Carnival employee at that position. They would just walk over to the Platinum line after they handled whatever they were working on at the time making the platinum passenger next in line.

[*Mach*]

I have seen the Platinum Guest line at the Guest Services desk. From my experience there has not been a Carnival employee at that position. They would just walk over to the Platinum line after they handled whatever they were working on at the time making the platinum passenger next in line.

 

 

Yep... that's pretty much the way it works...

:)

[luckycruzer]

ie: myself..can receive 25% off a future cruze(cabin portion only) I am using it for the 1st Magic TA , combined with a 50% off, from a flooded cabin, and DH's Interline rate..and will use my Fun Points for $100 OBC. Making that a real sweet deal. Not too far off from booking 50th Carnival..and will use that for a nicer cruze in late '12 or early 2013. Actually on the 25th you will receive the "white card"..but so far same perks as Plat...ho hummmmm

[AWCHIEF]

I especially like the priority boarding for both getting on the ship and for getting off. I made use of the free wash and fold three times last cruise, it is great not to have to come home and wash clothes.

The free slot tournament entry was worth $500 to me on my last cruise, making the cruise almost FREE.

I really don't care about the free goodies left in the room, except the chocolate covered strawberries. The dried out room temperature fish I can do without. How many coolers and pen and pad sets can one person use? At least will be getting something different next cruise in December.

Also pretty nice is the attention received by the Customer Service Desk and the crew in general when they see the silver card. Next goal is Milestone, but that is going to take a while longer. I have no problem being a Platinum snob, I have earned the right.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

...

The free slot tournament entry was worth $500 to me on my last cruise...

 

That "free" card was worth $500 to me as well on the Valor - thanks to the 2nd BJ tournament that cruise. I went to the final hand of the 1st tourney -- so it was almost SUPER sweet!!

 

Tom

[elcuchio24]

Can someone tell me if I'm missing something about being Platinum? I have been researching it and so far it seems you get VIP boarding and a pen and/or a pin? What am I missing? I don't know what there is to be excited about? Please no flaming I just want to know if I missed some info.

 

egggggggzactly

[quickrate]

Nope... not until you reach Milestone... 25 Carnival cruises. You get 25% of the cost of the cruise as OBC!

:D

Mach, can you tell me , is that 25% off lowest rate offered such as early saver?

Pat

[Vanessa L]

Yes, being one of the first to board a ship 10 min before everybody else is really exciting.

 

And don't bank on that either--last year as we were boarding the Miracle the VIP line was longer than the regular line!! We were on the ship well ahead of many of the people standing in the VIP line. As the number of Platinums increase, I suspect you are going to see this happen more and more. I can't know how many of those people in the VIP line in FLL were Platinum, but given there wasn't a big wedding party going on--no one in line seemed to know anyone else--and given the number of suites on the Miracle vs. how many people were in that line, I'd say a great number of them had to have been Platinum and using that "perk".

[Socref124]

Can someone tell me if I'm missing something about being Platinum? I have been researching it and so far it seems you get VIP boarding and a pen and/or a pin? What am I missing? I don't know what there is to be excited about? Please no flaming I just want to know if I missed some info.

 

One of the best perks is the free wash and fold laundry service. We now take home clean and folded laundry.:D Makes the first day home a little less hectic.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Mach, can you tell me , is that 25% off lowest rate offered such as early saver?

Pat

 

If I may ---

 

It is 25% of your individual cruise fare, before any fees/taxes.

 

Tom

[sallyb]

Our first platinum cruise is next month and I am really looking forward to the laundry service. I just have one question- should you only put sturdy clothes like tee shirts in their laundry? I would be afraid to get a bathing suit or sundress ruined but HOT wash & dry.