Apology Ltr to Milestone cruisers

[luv2cruise777l]

Maybe you should start a FB group for people who feel they got screwed by CCL. At least they couldn't ignore that type of publicity.

 

I'd be real curious how many people feel that way! ;) I'm not one of them.

Also curious how someone can cruise 25 times and not have 200 cruise days? Must be a lot of 3 and 4 day cruises to the same places. Sounds like somebody trying to take advantage of the system. :rolleyes: Or, maybe they just like Nasauu and Cozumel.

 

I have 32 cruises with 161 days. I do have alot of 3 and 4 day cruises in my cruise history because here in Calif. we don't have many options to choose from. The 3 day weekend cruise made it very easy to jump on the ship on Friday, off on Monday morning and back to work. I wasn't taking advantage of their system. We just don't have many options here on the West Coast!

 

Now Carnival is going to make even harder for us here on the West Coast by taking the Splendor away that sails year round and replacing her with the Miracle which will only sail part time here while it shares its time in Alaska. :(

 

ps. As for the apology Milestone letter from Carnival....I have yet to receive one through my email.

[David-n-Rita]

Maybe you should start a FB group for people who feel they got screwed by CCL. At least they couldn't ignore that type of publicity.

 

I'd be real curious how many people feel that way! ;) I'm not one of them.

 

Also curious how someone can cruise 25 times and not have 200 cruise days? Must be a lot of 3 and 4 day cruises to the same places. Sounds like somebody trying to take advantage of the system. :rolleyes: Or, maybe they just like Nasauu and Cozumel.[/quote]

 

My father loved to cruise but was ill with cancer and on chemo. We took him on several cruises when he was feeling better, and we tried to book 4 and 5 day cruises so he could enjoy cruising in his last days and not get too over tired on a longer cruise.

 

Sometimes there are good reasons to take short cruises other than "trying to make some stupid level."

 

Yes, I enjoy the perks, but cruising to "make platinum or diamond or milestone" seems dumb to me personally. Plus we never wear our cards around our necks or show them to anyone unless we are buying something or leaving the ship, so who cares what level we are? No one knows when they see us on the ship of we are on our first cruise or our 30th cruise, and we don't usually discuss it.

 

I still can't figure out what is the big deal about everyone knowing you are a certain level. It seems like being able to label your signature with a ton of cruises is some sort of status symbol on the message board and I really don't get it:confused:

[JWGrayson]

Sherrie, David-n-Rita, Can't quote your msgs. So, maybe you will see this.

 

Also curious how someone can cruise 25 times and not have 200 cruise days? Must be a lot of 3 and 4 day cruises to the same places. Sounds like somebody trying to take advantage of the system. :rolleyes: Or, maybe they just like Nasauu and Cozumel.

 

I was really digging at people who were doing the short cruises just to reach milestone. Everyone has their own reasons to cruise, but I'm hoping it is to enjoy the cruise rather than simply to increase their percieved shipboard status.

 

Crusing can be therapeutic and I hope it added some joy to David-n-Rita's Dad's last days.

[idiebabe]

Maybe you should start a FB group for people who feel they got screwed by CCL. At least they couldn't ignore that type of publicity.

 

I'd be real curious how many people feel that way! ;) I'm not one of them.

 

Also curious how someone can cruise 25 times and not have 200 cruise days? Must be a lot of 3 and 4 day cruises to the same places. Sounds like somebody trying to take advantage of the system. :rolleyes: Or, maybe they just like Nasauu and Cozumel.[/quote]

 

 

Carnival up until a few years ago or so was based on shorter cruises 3- 5 Nites and 7 Nites being the longer ones. It wasn't until then that they started the 8 Niter Carib and 12 Nite Europe cruises (except for the Hawaii ones). Some of the other lines their 7 Niters are their shorter cruises!

 

We've taken many short cruises because we could cruise more often during the year with our work schedules by adding a couple of vacay days onto a weekend (and would fly from NJ to FL for them). Now that we are self-employed we are in a position to do the 7/8 Nites and longer cruises several times a year.

 

Everyone has their reasons as to why they did short cruises and, probably, for Carnival all those folks booking those short cruises throughout the years kept them in business!

 

We did a 4 Niter to be Milestone on an 8 Nite Southern Carib. Reason...we booked a VS Aft Wrap and the 25% OBC was really nice to have on that cruise. You have to agree...darn good reason. Did the 4 Niter...had a great time and then had a $740 OBC for the 8 Niter.

 

I wear my card around my neck because I don't want to lose it...LOL! My DH would never wear a card around his neck but then all his shorts/pants have pockets.

 

To reiterate: People are upset because they were told by Spokespersons of Carnival one thing and it turned out to be another. Maybe folks don't agree with it, or understand their feelings but they feel misled, lied to, etc. and that is what is sparking the anger and upsetness.

 

The perks of Diamond are nothing to get excited over...for many it is a matter of Principle!

[SmogMonster]

I've contended all along that Carnival's beards/been counters/upper management (pick one) DO NOT want to fill their ships with EXPERIENCED cruisers. Carnival's cabin PRICE POINT (budget) doesn't allow for this as it relates to profitability. A cruise director once told me that 47% of the paxs on average on any given Carnival ship are FIRST TIME Carnival cruisers. With an exacting record (your Sail'n'Sign account) of the SPENDING HABITS of every cruiser along with the number of cruises they've taken on Carnival, they are perfectly setup to do some real number crunching as to profitability relating to the # of cruises. The BLUE'n'GOLD cruiser is most likely much less savvy about cruising and, therefore, much more VALUABLE to them.

 

I think they would readily see that for the first several cruises, these "Newbies", or more broadly, NON-PLATINUMS, blow inordinate amounts of loot on BOOZE (after all its not like real money, we'll just put it on the Sail'n'Sign):D, whereas many savvy cruisers might drink less or tend to do their heavy drinking in ports ($1 Sol beer in Puerta Vallarta and Manzanillo, FREE if you sample their high-end Tequila which is also FREE).:confused:

 

I'm guessing that the BLUE'n'GOLD CARDERS purchased a bazillion PHOTOS or the cruise video, versus the savvy cruiser who already has them all over his home.:rolleyes:

 

They may also drop a house payment or two in the casino. Whereas, that PLATINUM cruiser knows there is no Nevada Gaming Commission OVERSEEING the slot return percentages, Bingo return, or the rake on the Poker table. They'll go much easier, probably.:rolleyes:

 

The Newbie will most likely purchase more SHIP EXCURSIONS, whereas, armed with internet info and cruise websites, the PLATINUM cruiser gets around a lot of this.

 

That "number crunching" would also bear out more intense spending in the cruise ship's shops, shore sponsored stores, and Art Auction among Newbies.

 

When I look back on all the loot I blew on my first several cruises, I'm amazed at how friggin' stupid I could be. I know Carnival ships are the FUN SHIPS[horn sound here]. I've loved them forever (look at my history), but their main draw is and probably always will be CABIN PRICING. The Walmart of cruising as some say (they don't even realize what a compliment they're giving Carnival):). They must MAXIMIZE the on board spending per cabin and one sure way, IMHO, and on a computer algorithm is to load their ships with the NON-PLATINUM cruisers.

 

I love you, Carnival, but you're pissing a lot of people off. And, yes, I understand its not PERSONAL . . . its just BUSINESS.:D

 

 

GLGrounds,

I agree with you basic thought. I think that all cruise companies make way more money on newbie cruisers, they certainly did on me! As one gains more experience and a boatload of pictures, one's cruising habits and spending habits change.

 

However, I am not certain I understand how your analysis relates to a loyalty program. If what you are saying is true, (that Carnival wants new cruisers to fill their ships)then carnival wouldnt want any loyalty program whatsoever! They wouldnt want the experienced cruiser back!

[NavarreCruiser]

 

 

Do the math, In order to achieve 200 days in 24 cruises (You were milestone on your 25th cruise) you had to average 8 1/3 days per cruise. That is difficult to do on Carnival. We have taken a 16 day TA, a 15 day Panama Canal, a 12 day Med. Cruise, some 8 day cruises and never a 3 day and only one 4 day Carnival cruise and still average only 6.7 days per cruise on Carnival.

[halos]

So many words but no substance here... I can't even respond.

 

seriously!

Dang.....

 

 

Also curious how someone can cruise 25 times and not have 200 cruise days? Must be a lot of 3 and 4 day cruises to the same places. Sounds like somebody trying to take advantage of the system. Or, maybe they just like Nasauu and Cozumel.

 

 

 

Yup, you figured it out....all those 'cheaters'

 

That's exactly why CCL offers short cruises....JUST for people to take advantage.

Brilliant!

:rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

[XXCRUISER_01]

Sherrie, David-n-Rita, Can't quote your msgs. So, maybe you will see this.

 

Also curious how someone can cruise 25 times and not have 200 cruise days? Must be a lot of 3 and 4 day cruises to the same places. Sounds like somebody trying to take advantage of the system. :rolleyes: Or, maybe they just like Nasauu and Cozumel.

 

 

I was really digging at people who were doing the short cruises just to reach milestone. Everyone has their own reasons to cruise, but I'm hoping it is to enjoy the cruise rather than simply to increase their percieved shipboard status.

 

Crusing can be therapeutic and I hope it added some joy to David-n-Rita's Dad's last days.

 

Do the math, In order to achieve 200 days in 24 cruises (You were milestone on your 25th cruise) you had to average 8 1/3 days per cruise. That is difficult to do on Carnival. We have taken a 16 day TA, a 15 day Panama Canal, a 12 day Med. Cruise, some 8 day cruises and never a 3 day and only one 4 day Carnival cruise and still average only 6.7 days per cruise on Carnival.

 

I am one of the few who reached milestone and had 206 days in 25 cruises. Added one more in April. 26 cruises and 213 days right now. Average 8.19 days per cruise. Did a few transatlantic cruises a 12 day mediterranean and a few 8 day caribbean. Even some 3 and 4 day cruises (Imagination).

[rellersi]

Maybe you should start a FB group for people who feel they got screwed by CCL. At least they couldn't ignore that type of publicity.

 

I'd be real curious how many people feel that way! ;) I'm not one of them.

 

Also curious how someone can cruise 25 times and not have 200 cruise days? Must be a lot of 3 and 4 day cruises to the same places. Sounds like somebody trying to take advantage of the system. :rolleyes: Or, maybe they just like Nasauu and Cozumel.

 

When we first started doing serious cruising, I had 2 weeks vacation so it was 1 7day getaway or 2 or 3 short ones. To me the short ones made more sense we were not trying to take advantage of any system since we did not even know that Carnival had a past guest program other than getting the past guest rates

[JWGrayson]

 

Carnival up until a few years ago or so was based on shorter cruises 3- 5 Nites and 7 Nites being the longer ones. It wasn't until then that they started the 8 Niter Carib and 12 Nite Europe cruises (except for the Hawaii ones). Some of the other lines their 7 Niters are their shorter cruises!

 

I wear my card around my neck because I don't want to lose it...LOL! My DH would never wear a card around his neck but then all his shorts/pants have pockets.

 

To reiterate: People are upset because they were told by Spokespersons of Carnival one thing and it turned out to be another. Maybe folks don't agree with it, or understand their feelings but they feel misled, lied to, etc. and that is what is sparking the anger and upsetness.

 

The perks of Diamond are nothing to get excited over...for many it is a matter of Principle!

 

Good answer and it does help explain things I didn't know since I only started cruising with Carnival in Sep 2008. Thanks!

[AmberTeka]

C arnival could not possibly deliver diamond benefits for everyone who has cruised over 25 cruises.

 

Most cruise lines don't let you get to vip or whatever you call it until you have a least 100 hours or so.

[glrounds]

GLGrounds,

I agree with you basic thought. I think that all cruise companies make way more money on newbie cruisers, they certainly did on me! As one gains more experience and a boatload of pictures, one's cruising habits and spending habits change.

 

However, I am not certain I understand how your analysis relates to a loyalty program. If what you are saying is true, (that Carnival wants new cruisers to fill their ships)then carnival wouldnt want any loyalty program whatsoever! They wouldnt want the experienced cruiser back!

 

In all honesty, Monster, Carnival's loyalty program is pretty weak. With the exception of the VIP boarding and maybe the FREE laundry and FREE slots, there isn't really very much to it, IMHO. Quite frankly, I wouldn't let them wash ANYTHING that I cared anything about. The clothes come back stiff and smell of commercial grade detergents and definitely aren't softened. My biggest reason for using the FREE slots was to find out how many PLATINUMS were onboard (they have a list in the cashiers cage)There are so many OTHER factors that determine which cruise line one uses (in my case PRICE AND FUN PEOPLE) that I can't imagine these "perks" affecting any decisions to any great extent in any real fashion one way or the other.:confused:

 

I think the loyalty program does have a certain "snob" appeal as all loyalty programs do to a certain extent. Years ago, I used to get paxs asking me why my Sign'n'Sail card was PLATINUM. It was kind of fun telling them why, I have to admit.:rolleyes:It used to almost make an employee jump to attention, especially bar tenders, when they saw it.:D

 

I was PLATINUM before this shakeup and I'm PLATINUM now, so I really don't have a dog in this fight. As I've said before my potential "line jumping" moment was when Carnival started charging 200% of Double Occupancy for SOLO cruisers. That really affects PRICE. :(

 

[glrounds]

 

Carnival up until a few years ago or so was based on shorter cruises 3- 5 Nites and 7 Nites being the longer ones. It wasn't until then that they started the 8 Niter Carib and 12 Nite Europe cruises (except for the Hawaii ones). Some of the other lines their 7 Niters are their shorter cruises!

 

We've taken many short cruises because we could cruise more often during the year with our work schedules by adding a couple of vacay days onto a weekend (and would fly from NJ to FL for them). Now that we are self-employed we are in a position to do the 7/8 Nites and longer cruises several times a year.

 

Everyone has their reasons as to why they did short cruises and, probably, for Carnival all those folks booking those short cruises throughout the years kept them in business!

 

We did a 4 Niter to be Milestone on an 8 Nite Southern Carib. Reason...we booked a VS Aft Wrap and the 25% OBC was really nice to have on that cruise. You have to agree...darn good reason. Did the 4 Niter...had a great time and then had a $740 OBC for the 8 Niter.

 

I wear my card around my neck because I don't want to lose it...LOL! My DH would never wear a card around his neck but then all his shorts/pants have pockets.

 

To reiterate: People are upset because they were told by Spokespersons of Carnival one thing and it turned out to be another. Maybe folks don't agree with it, or understand their feelings but they feel misled, lied to, etc. and that is what is sparking the anger and upsetness.

The perks of Diamond are nothing to get excited over...for many it is a matter of Principle!

 

Well said, babe.

 

I don't wear my card around my neck either, but I am guilty of posting my cruise history. Helps with the many pics I post on my WEBSHOTS site below and lets people know what ships and itineraries I've cruised for asking me questions. Unfortunately for me, there are 5 cruises that Carnival doesn't even have in their puters so I only get credit for 16 in the new program. Oh well, that's life.(I've still got my health and I live in a wonderful free country) :D

 

[fireofficer5]

ccl announces an improved past guest program, then has to apologize for the great improvements.

[satex]

Got a call back from Carnival today. She apologized (over and over again) for not calling right back. It seems that her voice mail has been full every time she looks at it since word of the new program was released. She stated that they are being inundated by Milestone members and that she is aware of the problem, but she has no power to do anything about it other then forwarded all comments she receives. At least someone at Carnival is being bombarded with calls.

 

So, if you have been deceived by Carnival (or just don't like the new program), I encourage you to contact Carnival Rewards program manager at Carnival Corporate Offices at 800 438 6744 or call Carnival Corporate Offices and ask for Rob Boston (VP of Costumer Marketing) or Jesse Barra (Senior VP). You won't get a call back from them as they will forward the message to Shelia, but they will know that your calling).

[Surfwench]

If multiple representatives from a company disseminate information then you take that as truth. Why would a company give out information that was speculative in nature to a customer that is going to base his/her decisions on that information? When you call a company up and ask for information do you ask them if it is the truth before you hang up? No, it is understood that what they tell you is accurate. I was told to book extra cruises so I would be grandfathered in to Diamond.

 

CCL lied.

 

a quick cost/benefit analysis of spending thousands on cruises in order to qualify for what amounts to pretty petty perks fails on it's merits.

 

I don't believe there is any language pertaining to any loyalty programs in the cruise contract itself.

 

If you can prove that Carnival willfully enticed you with false promises so you would book cruises then by all means take them to court.

 

all this negativity is exhausting. why waste so much time and emotional energy over something, which in the big scheme of things, is so meaningless.

[LHP]

Hehehe...I know a flame...and you are using a flamethrower. There was no correction needed...just a bit of trivial problem solving instead of fanning the flames and adding to the misery of your neighbors. Why do that? To spin it until it is indeed of vast importance to some...yourself included? The end does not justify the means and the premise you so vehemently cling to is bunk and you know it. If you want to target a body, and toss insults just because you can then I'm your huckleberry! :D You sure you want to go there? I guess I better study up and git ready! OK...I'm ready...LOL!

 

Tim:

 

You have been around CC long enough to know a real flaming when it is given.

 

Mine would not have melted a marshmellow....

 

My only comment was that you did indeed need to study up before commenting...

 

because your post came off as a rant that was a knee-jerk

reaction....instead of a post written by someone that had careful considered

the opinions of those affected by this change.

 

Because unless you are affected, there is no way for you to understand why they feel the way they do. But at least if you honesty and carefully read their posts, you might get an idea of where they are coming from.

 

Your rant was just from someone who had not considered the feelings of others, had not considered that they might actually have a point....

 

it was just a rant.... that made absolutely no sense...

 

and knowing you, I was surprised (and said so later) because you are usually so spot on.

 

Now we have not always agreed in the past, but at least before there was an adult exchange of ideas.....not just you shooting yourself in the foot.

[ahoys]

I'll be taking my milestone cruise next month. I never thought I'd have "milestone" status again until my 50th cruise, as I read and re-read the milestone details on the website just so I'd be clear. I'm surprised that some have had the milestone cards on subsequent sailings after their "milestone" cruise. After all--it's a milestone. You reach it once, then you reach the next one.

 

I'm not at all upset that I'll be a platinum cruiser following this milestone cruise. It's what I expected all along. I've been a Carnival cruiser since 1986 and have seen lots of changes in the Carnival product. Some I've liked, and others have disappointed me. Times change, and companies all over the world have responded to tough economic situations. I know this new loyalty program upsets some people, but it's not something that I want to let get to me.

 

Stop threatening to sail another line and do it already! You'll really like some things about that other line. Other things will make you want to come back to Carnival. Banding together to try to bully Carnival to change things to make you happy just won't work. Be realistic!

[LHP]

Maybe you should start a FB group for people who feel they got screwed by CCL. At least they couldn't ignore that type of publicity.

 

I'd be real curious how many people feel that way! ;) I'm not one of them.

 

Also curious how someone can cruise 25 times and not have 200 cruise days? Must be a lot of 3 and 4 day cruises to the same places. Sounds like somebody trying to take advantage of the system. :rolleyes: Or, maybe they just like Nasauu and Cozumel.

 

Really....do the math.

 

If every cruise was a 7 day cruise...with 25 cruises that would only be

 

175 days.

 

Sounds like someone needs to learn a little multiplication before posting.....

[LHP]

I think it is also important for those who belittle folks who took shorter cruises to remember that for folks in the Mobile and New Orleans port area....

 

for YEARS....short cruises were all that there were !!!

 

Folks supported Carnival in Mobile where 95% were 4 and 5 day cruises.

 

Folks supported Carnival in New Orleans where (until the Conquest came)...for YEARS after Katrina...there were NO 7 day cruises....

 

These are not folks who can drive to Florida every time.

 

Carnival asked cruisers to support them in Mobile and New Orleans and they did.

 

And this is how Carnival says Thank You???

[Faligon]

Tim:

 

You have been around CC long enough to know a real flaming when it is given.

 

Mine would not have melted a marshmellow....

 

My only comment was that you did indeed need to study up before commenting...

 

because your post came off as a rant that was a knee-jerk

reaction....instead of a post written by someone that had careful considered

the opinions of those affected by this change.

 

Because unless you are affected, there is no way for you to understand why they feel the way they do. But at least if you honesty and carefully read their posts, you might get an idea of where they are coming from.

 

Your rant was just from someone who had not considered the feelings of others, had not considered that they might actually have a point....

 

it was just a rant.... that made absolutely no sense...

 

and knowing you, I was surprised (and said so later) because you are usually so spot on.

 

Now we have not always agreed in the past, but at least before there was an adult exchange of ideas.....not just you shooting yourself in the foot.

 

I appreciate your position/opinion as I do each and every one that also has the same. What I do not get is your idea that you ask for what you do not give and with some folks you just cannot live and let live...no...you MUST correct them and "help" them to know their mistake. You have done this many times and make it your business for others to realize that you are some kind of authority and such. You are not. You want respect and understanding for what you post but dismiss others. If that is how you now operate then sobeit. I disagree with you and will show you how you walk way from something trivial. L8R! LOL! :D

[luckycruzer]

I have Band-AIDS !

[David-n-Rita]

I appreciate your position/opinion as I do each and every one that also has the same. What I do not get is your idea that you ask for what you do not give and with some folks you just cannot live and let live...no...you MUST correct them and "help" them to know their mistake. You have done this many times and make it your business for others to realize that you are some kind of authority and such. You are not. You want respect and understanding for what you post but dismiss others. If that is how you now operate then sobeit. I disagree with you and will show you how you walk way from something trivial. L8R! LOL! :D

 

 

Ditto - A+ :D

[halos]

I appreciate your position/opinion as I do each and every one that also has the same. What I do not get is your idea that you ask for what you do not give and with some folks you just cannot live and let live...no...you MUST correct them and "help" them to know their mistake. You have done this many times and make it your business for others to realize that you are some kind of authority and such. You are not. You want respect and understanding for what you post but dismiss others. If that is how you now operate then sobeit. I disagree with you and will show you how you walk way from something trivial. L8R! LOL! :D

 

She is a customer of Carnival's that is expressing her disappointment on a message board geared for such.

Why you think she shouldn't is the real question.

 

Whether Linda or anyone else chooses to let this go or not shouldn't bother you. That woman has a lot of CCL cruises under her belt and has been loyal with her pocketbook and her voice for a long time. If you can't understand why she wants her voice heard, then so be it.

 

You are also failing to see the bigger picture here. This revamping is just the last straw for some. It comes on top of a lot of other changes that have not been all that great and many of these people like Linda, have been defending CCL all along while people like me were making vocal note of the changes.

They have run out of defense......

Those that loved CCL the most are the ones that are hurt the most by it.

Not loving Carnival (anymore) myself, I don't really care...but I can at least understand these people's feelings on the matter.

[MrPete]

She is a customer of Carnival's that is expressing her disappointment on a message board geared for such.

Why you think she shouldn't is the real question.

 

Whether Linda or anyone else chooses to let this go or not shouldn't bother you. That woman has a lot of CCL cruises under her belt and has been loyal with her pocketbook and her voice for a long time. If you can't understand why she wants her voice heard, then so be it.

 

You are also failing to see the bigger picture here. This revamping is just the last straw for some. It comes on top of a lot of other changes that have not been all that great and many of these people like Linda, have been defending CCL all along while people like me were making vocal note of the changes.

They have run out of defense......

Those that loved CCL the most are the ones that are hurt the most by it.

Not loving Carnival (anymore) myself, I don't really care...but I can at least understand these people's feelings on the matter.

 

Ditto - A+ :D