Poll: do you like the new Lattitudes program

[smeyer418]

its been a couple of days and there have been minor changes in the voting which is approaching 250- still a relatively small sample.

72% voted positively. You can view the 21% who voted for an additional level as positive, negative or neutral.

I think it actually depends on what the milestone gifts are. They also might be waiting for a while to announce what those gifts are.

Only 2 percent voted negatively still a small part.

Those who voted other, I am not totally sure what they want except for something else. Some seem to want an additional level too...

There will be a lot more Plat...but I assume they crunch the numbers anyway....

[Beaver1975]

I will let you know at 400 points I will check mailbox everyday for my milestone award. I hope like the 9 month in advance we don't have to hit the milestone after 12/05.

 

Did you ever receive any of the Latitudes Level "graduation" presents retroactively? Me neither.

[Aquahound]

Those who voted other, I am not totally sure what they want except for something else.

 

I voted other because I just don't feel strongly about any of the other choices. I don't love it, but I don't hate it. In fact, I feel no different than before the change. What still baffles me about NCL is they don't extend all the benefits to the short cruises.

[Cubechick]

Or if you add up the all of the categories beside "love it" then over 44% just think the program is just okay or worse.

 

Which is a more negative showing that I expected.

[che5904]

Or if you add up the all of the categories beside "love it" then over 44% just think the program is just okay or worse.

 

Which is a more negative showing that I expected.

 

Perhaps you and I look at this differently. I did vote love it, just because it was in my favor, and if you are into loyalty programs, I don't feel it is a bad one. However, I debated on ticking "it's Okay" or "other" since I really couldn't care less about a loyalty program. So that would be hard to say whether you could count those in as a "negative".

 

The only true negative one is "I hate it" and maybe "needs another level" since the latter would most likely signify that those voting that way feel that the program needs improvement according to them. That doesn't mean they think it is bad, they just may feel stronger about it needing improvement.

 

This is the exact reasons that I never take a poll or stats serious (sorry all you mathematicians out there). Having these 4 choices doesn't cover all the inbetween options. You may feel 2 or three different ways, some will tick the one they think they feel the strongest over, some will just blindly choose one of the three because they are all pretty much equal for them, some (like me) will take that if I really cared, I guess this is the way I would lean etc etc.

[KandJCruising]

I voted "wish they'd add another level," but on the whole like the changes. We don't live near a port, so when we cruise it's usually longer than 7 days, so it's nice to see days rewarded. Not that I don't envy those who live near ports and can cruise more often. :)

[Aquahound]

Perhaps you and I look at this differently. I did vote love it, just because it was in my favor, and if you are into loyalty programs, I don't feel it is a bad one.

 

This is just a shot in the dark, but I have a feeling a good portion of those who voted "Love It" aren't really familiar with other cruise lines' programs (I said good portion, not all). If I was not in 2 other major lines' programs, this program may seem great to me. But as it is, it's my least favorite of the 3 programs I am familiar with.

[time2cruise1]

Or if you add up the all of the categories beside "love it" then over 44% just think the program is just okay or worse.

 

Which is a more negative showing that I expected.

 

I look at the results differently. 73% are positve (OK & Love). That is what I would expect since most passengers moved up or see a much quicker path to Platinum. I expect many will be upset in a year or two when NCL has to adjust perks with the Platinum level flooded. Enjoy the ride.

 

The telling number is the 20% plus that think a new level is needed. The majority of those I have to believe are already platinum. I think it was a huge mistake to ignore their best customers. Like any business it is the 80/20 rule. In this case they did wonderful things for the bottom 80% just the opposite of what a relational business would do. Maybe they think they have us locked in with a mint and a strawberry.

[mbisson]

I expect many will be upset in a year or two when NCL has to adjust perks with the Platinum level flooded. Enjoy the ride.

 

You're probably right. As we remember the uproar that came about when the shot of wine was removed upon boarding (Freestyle 2 or whatever it was called), losing some of these Plat perks could be a real humdinger! :eek:

[che5904]

This is just a shot in the dark, but I have a feeling a good portion of those who voted "Love It" aren't really familiar with other cruise lines' programs (I said good portion, not all). If I was not in 2 other major lines' programs, this program may seem great to me. But as it is, it's my least favorite of the 3 programs I am familiar with.

 

OK I'll run with this one. :confused:

 

I'm not sure whether you are adding to the part of my post you quoted or dispute it in some way. I've not been able to figure out your point to this.

 

You are probably very right, I, myself am not familiar with any other cruise line's programs. But then again, if NCL is my cruise of choice, I really could care less what other cruise lines are offering.

 

If you are stating this to support what I have said that polls really don't mean much. OK

 

Or are you trying to say that this "loyalty" latitudes program is the reason people choose NCL, or even that NCL thinks it is. I'm sorry I give people more credit than that. All NCL is doing is hoping that if you have a choice between 2 that you are flipping back and forth with and are close to another level with them, you will choose them to get to that level.

 

I am very familiar with loyalty programs in general, besides other companies, casinos being the biggest I have experience with. I can tell you there are drastic differences in casino loyalty programs, some good, some bad, some that don't make any impact on me what so ever. I don't compare them but if I am close to a level and everything being equal, or if one offers something I feel is better for me and everything else being equal that is probably the way I would lean.

[Educators2]

I think the new program is a win for many of us. I jumped from silver to gold after 5 completed cruises (all about 10 days). We have two cruises booked for 2012 (both booked more than nine months in advace but unsure if we'll get credit for that) so, platinum is within reach. We often use the laundry special-great for a European cruise or to save on carrying stuff. I'm sure the numbers were considered before the new system debuted. Other lines give free internet minutes which would have been nice but I'm a happy camper (cruiser)!

[Aquahound]

I'm not sure whether you are adding to the part of my post you quoted or dispute it in some way. I've not been able to figure out your point to this.

 

No, I was not disputing you. I was just adding my thoughts. The part of your post that included "if you are into loyalty programs" is what led me to my thoughts.

[che5904]

No, I was not disputing you. I was just adding my thoughts. The part of your post that included "if you are into loyalty programs" is what led me to my thoughts.

 

OK sorry I was just confused, thanks for clarifying.

[halos]

I want to say that I hesitated a little before I voted on this poll...then I realized, I do love it.

I also loved it before.

 

My love of rewards is solely based on the fact that I would cruise whether there were rewards or not so ANY reward is good to me.

[LadyShiva]

This is just a shot in the dark, but I have a feeling a good portion of those who voted "Love It" aren't really familiar with other cruise lines' programs (I said good portion, not all). If I was not in 2 other major lines' programs, this program may seem great to me. But as it is, it's my least favorite of the 3 programs I am familiar with.

 

Do you mind doing a compare/contrast with the other programs? I'm curious as to what the pros and cons are. I know we all give up something when we get on a boat without our names on it, but it would be neat to see the "platinum" benefits across the companies.

 

Thanks in advance if you choose to do this. :)

[che5904]

I'm curious as to what the pros and cons are.

 

Wouldn't the pros and cons be subjective the same as this poll? As you can see by the poll not everyone thinks the pros are pros and vice versa. For example one perk with the new latitudes (ok it may have been in the old one too, I have no idea) platinum receive "Complimentary Dinner for Two at Le Bistro with a Bottle of Wine". To some that may be a pro, to me who doesn't care if I go to Le Bistro it is a nothing. Yet "Priority Disembarkation" may be a pro to me, but to someone in a suite who already gets this, it is a nothing.

[LadyShiva]

Wouldn't the pros and cons be subjective the same as this poll? As you can see by the poll not everyone thinks the pros are pros and vice versa. For example one perk with the new latitudes (ok it may have been in the old one too, I have no idea) platinum receive "Complimentary Dinner for Two at Le Bistro with a Bottle of Wine". To some that may be a pro, to me who doesn't care if I go to Le Bistro it is a nothing. Yet "Priority Disembarkation" may be a pro to me, but to someone in a suite who already gets this, it is a nothing.

 

Actually, I was requesting a comparison to ANOTHER cruise company, not within NCL's offerings, past and present.

 

The poster I replied to said it was their "least favorite of the 3", which piqued my interest for the compare/contrast. I'm wondering if the NCL offerings are similar or completely different to, say, HAL, at the highest level. For example, I know HAL offers a specific amount of internet access, which is not offered by NCL.

[sparks1093]

My love of rewards is solely based on the fact that I would cruise whether there were rewards or not so ANY reward is good to me.

 

ditto (except I think I answered "it's okay").

[Beaver1975]

Actually, I was requesting a comparison to ANOTHER cruise company, not within NCL's offerings, past and present.

 

The poster I replied to said it was their "least favorite of the 3", which piqued my interest for the compare/contrast. I'm wondering if the NCL offerings are similar or completely different to, say, HAL, at the highest level. For example, I know HAL offers a specific amount of internet access, which is not offered by NCL.

 

Here is a chart for Holland Americas benefits in their loyalty program: http://www.hollandamerica.com/marinerSociety/Main.action Here is a chart for Royal Caribbean benefits for their loyalty program: http://www.royalcaribbean.com/cas/benefitsLoggedout.do Here is a listing for Princess benefits for their loyalty program: https://book.princess.com/captaincircle/jsp/memberShipBenefitsForProspect.jsp Here is a listing for Carnival benefits for their loyalty program: http://www.carnival.com/cms/Static_Templates/carnival-past-guest-recognition.aspx

[LadyShiva]

Thank you, Beaver1975, for the links. :)

 

I understand why the criticism for the NCL program now. Those links were extremely helpful! :) I think the free milestone cruise on Carnival and the free 3/4th passenger on HAL are particularly appealing. While those 2 companies have different price points per day for a balcony, they both make stronger impressions on me with regards just to their loyalty programs than NCL.

 

That being said, I think NCL is a better fit for my cruising needs on the basis of their stateroom options and the Haven. If Holland America would combine their fabulous itineraries with better choices for cabins, though, I would be tempted.

[Zeno]

love it because it got me into the next tier faster.

 

HOWEVER they have my husband's tier all wrong - missed 2 cruises he was one - so I have contacted them to get him into the correct tier

[mbisson]

love it because it got me into the next tier faster.

 

HOWEVER they have my husband's tier all wrong - missed 2 cruises he was one - so I have contacted them to get him into the correct tier

 

Sounds great Z! Don't fret too much though, I believe that as long as he's not cruising without you he can piggy back on your perks (but then with the new program, I won't swear to it) LOL

 

I hope you guys enjoy Hawaii as much as we did

[Aquahound]

....

[LadyShiva]

I'll give an example ref RCI. I am Diamond Plus. DP is the second highest tier and achieved after 175 cruise points (formerly 24 cruises). These are some of my benefits, in addition to the usuals (priority boarding, receptions, robes, etc):

 

1. BOGO free dinner in any specialty restaurant.

2. Access to private Concierge Lounge with free cocktails from 5-8:30pm. On Oasis Class, breakfast and lunch are also served. Free specialty coffees 24/7.

3. Access to private Diamond Lounge - same perks as Concierge Lounge.

4. Older ships with no CL or DL have nightly cocktail hours held in a reserved lounge.

5. 1 free photo per person - any size.

6. Bridge and Galley tours.

7. Reserved seating in theaters.

8. Balcony and suite discounts on all sailings.

9. Free gifts to choose from (I choose free bottle of wine and wine truffles).

 

This is just off the top of my head.....they are the things that stand out to me.

 

Thank you for this post, AquaHound. I appreciate your time and consideration doing this, especially #9--the list didn't give a real feel for what a "free gift" might be. :)

[DMH15]

I look at the results differently. 73% are positve (OK & Love). That is what I would expect since most passengers moved up or see a much quicker path to Platinum. I expect many will be upset in a year or two when NCL has to adjust perks with the Platinum level flooded. Enjoy the ride.

 

The telling number is the 20% plus that think a new level is needed. The majority of those I have to believe are already platinum. I think it was a huge mistake to ignore their best customers. Like any business it is the 80/20 rule. In this case they did wonderful things for the bottom 80% just the opposite of what a relational business would do. Maybe they think they have us locked in with a mint and a strawberry.

Just for the record I voted for "need a new level". I was bronze am now silver. Cruise booked for 2013 is 11 days in a suite booked over a year today. If I receive 9 month bonus will be plat. I just think those already plat or on fast track will not have something to look forward to... Unless the "gifts" are sudstantial. It's quite a gap between plat. And the first "gift". I am curious to see what it will be.